Head-to-head comparison
Stanbridge University vs La Sierra University: which has better ROI?
Option A Irvine, CA
Stanbridge University
- Net price / year
- $45,372
- Earnings, 10 years
- $62,144
- Payback
- 13.2 yrs
Option B Riverside, CA
La Sierra University
- Net price / year
- $45,566
- Earnings, 10 years
- $61,824
- Payback
- 13.5 yrs
Stanbridge University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $181,488 in 13.2 years versus 13.5 years at La Sierra University, on median earnings of $62,144 vs $61,824 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Stanbridge University | La Sierra University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $45,372 | $45,566 |
| Total net cost | $181,488 | $182,264 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $62,144 | $61,824 |
| Median debt | $20,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 13.2 yrs | 13.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $94,192 | $87,016 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, Stanbridge University or La Sierra University?
Stanbridge University, at $45,372 a year after aid versus $45,566 — a gap of $194 a year, or $776 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
The short answer
Do Stanbridge University or La Sierra University graduates earn more?
Stanbridge University graduates report a median $62,144 ten years after entry, $320 more than the $61,824 at La Sierra University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
The short answer
Which leaves students with less debt, Stanbridge University or La Sierra University?
Stanbridge University: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at La Sierra University, a difference of $7,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
The short answer
Which graduates more of its students?
62% of students finish at Stanbridge University, against 60% at La Sierra University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.