Analysis
La Sierra's Human Resources bachelor's carries an estimated $30,000 in debt—higher than what most HR programs in California typically burden students with ($25,067 median). When peer programs across the state suggest first-year earnings around $48,800, that debt load translates to roughly seven months of gross income, which puts you in manageable territory but not impressive.
What's worth noting is the gap between La Sierra and the stronger HR programs in California. University of Massachusetts Global and University of Phoenix produce graduates earning $65,000-$58,000 in their first year—nearly 20-35% more than what comparable programs to La Sierra's suggest. Even CSU Long Beach, a public option, reports similar earnings to what La Sierra's peers achieve but likely at substantially lower cost. The 47% Pell Grant rate indicates La Sierra serves many students who can least afford to pay a premium for middling outcomes.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 isn't alarming, but it matters that you're looking at estimates here rather than La Sierra's actual track record. If your child is certain about HR and considering private schools, compare net cost carefully against the programs with demonstrated stronger placement. At this price point relative to peer outcomes, you'd want compelling reasons—campus culture, smaller classes, specific connections—to justify the difference.
Where La Sierra University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human resources management and services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Human Resources Management and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,910 | $48,786* | — | $30,016* | — | |
| $12,520 | $65,673* | $66,122 | $22,979* | 0.35 | |
| — | $57,983* | $51,907 | $50,470* | 0.87 | |
| $35,558 | $55,616* | $59,185 | $27,155* | 0.49 | |
| $13,160 | $51,118* | $50,031 | $41,117* | 0.80 | |
| $7,008 | $46,453* | $56,388 | $12,733* | 0.27 | |
| National Median | — | $50,361* | — | $26,625* | 0.53 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human resources management and services graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Human Resources Managers
Training and Development Managers
Labor Relations Specialists
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Coroners
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At La Sierra University, approximately 47% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.