Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Sonoma State University logo

Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA·Public·5,374 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 5,374 students.

95%
Accept
5,374
Students
$13,801
Net Price
61%
Grad Rate
$53,200
Earnings
10 yr
$13,000
Debt

About This School

Sonoma State University is a public institution located in Rohnert Park, California with approximately 5,374 undergraduate students enrolled. Sonoma State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 95%. The average net price after financial aid is $13,801 per year. The graduation rate is 61%, and the typical graduate earns $53,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Sonoma State University is a public university in Rohnert Park, Sonoma County, California, United States. It is part of the California State University system and has three academic colleges: the College of Education, Counseling and Ethnic Studies; the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts; and the College of Science, Technology and Business. The school offers 62 bachelor's degree programs, 13 master's degree programs, and 24 teaching credentials.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the 95% acceptance rate and $13,000 median debt at graduation make this one of the more accessible and affordable CSU options, and the Northern California wine country location has real appeal for certain programs. However, the 61% graduation rate is a genuine concern — it means roughly 4 in 10 students who start here don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. Worth considering if you're drawn to a small public campus with low financial risk, but ask hard questions about support services and your specific program's completion rates.

Founded
1960
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing17%
Psychology15%
Social Sciences13%
Biological Sciences6%
Communications5%
Education5%
English4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Steven ZaillianJaylen WellsMike Horner

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$8,190
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,070
Avg Net Price
$13,801
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants36%
Median debt at graduation$13,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
61%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
75%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$53,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$41,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$53,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White40%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino42%
Asian5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (5,374 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Sonoma State University

1801 E Cotati Ave

Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.