Sonoma State University
About Sonoma State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Sonoma State University is a public university in Rohnert Park, California, in the wine country north of San Francisco. It offers small class sizes with programs in business, nursing, education, and the sciences.
Founded
1960
Location
Rohnert Park, California
Students
5,785
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
93.4%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
57.6%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,624
Out-of-state: $21,224
Avg Net Price
$12,885
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$65,986
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$70
Early
Dec 1
Regular
Apr 30
Sonoma State University accepts the majority of applicants at 93.4%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
57.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
79.2%
4-Year Grad
41%
6-Year Grad
60%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
50.9%
$/Student
$11.5K
Class Size
Medium
The 41% graduation rate is below average, but 79.2% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,624
In-State
$21,224
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,802
Books & Supplies
$856
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,648
After Financial Aid
$12,885
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,310
Receive Grants
35.9%
Take Loans
26.8%
The full cost of attendance is about $24,648/yr for in-state students, including $16,802 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $12,885. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $21,224.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Sonoma State University fund their education.
While in School
35.9%
Get Grants
Free money
26.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$40,508
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$16,705
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$177/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 26.8% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $16,705. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Sonoma State University.
Gender
59.6%
Female
40%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,166
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
619
Graduates
41.5%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
16.3%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 60% of the student body. 41.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
5,166
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Sonoma State University fields 9 varsity teams with 266 student athletes, about 5% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II without football
Conference
California
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Soccer
Student Athletes
266
5% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
39% / 61%
103
Men
163
Women
4
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Sonoma State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$65,986
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$55K
323 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$33K
289 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$40K
115 grads
1yr Earnings
Sociology
$38K
112 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$34K
97 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$33K
90 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $52K at six years, $47K at eight, and $66K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sonoma State University
What is the acceptance rate at Sonoma State University?▾
How much does Sonoma State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Sonoma State University?▾
How much do Sonoma State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.