Sonoma State University: 94.0% Acceptance Rate

94.0%Acceptance

$8,190Tuition

5,374Students

61%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$65,986Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Sonoma State University

Sonoma State University brings liberal arts education to California's wine country, serving 5,374 students on a suburban campus in Rohnert Park. The full university has built its reputation around strong programs in business, education, and environmental studies. With a 94% acceptance rate, Sonoma State welcomes most applicants who want to study in the heart of wine country. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement typical of California State University campuses.

Students pay an average net price of $13,801 after financial aid, making it accessible for most California families. Graduates earn a median of $65,986 ten years after graduation, while typical student loan debt sits at $16,705. Monthly loan payments average just $177, making the investment manageable for most graduates. The employment rate reaches 94.3%, suggesting strong job prospects for alumni.

The student body reflects California's diversity, with 41.68% Hispanic students and 40.42% white students creating a multicultural campus environment. Women make up 61.2% of enrollment, which is common for full universities with strong education and liberal arts programs. Nearly 99% of students come from California, creating a tight-knit community rooted in the state's culture and values.

Academics & Faculty

Sonoma State offers a full liberal arts education that blends traditional academics with California's innovation culture. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates small class environments where professors know students personally. Business and education programs draw heavily from the university's Silicon Valley connections and California's teaching demands. Environmental studies benefits from the campus location in wine country, giving students hands-on access to sustainable agriculture and conservation projects. The 60.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's working student population, many of whom balance jobs with academics. Psychology and criminal justice programs prepare students for California's growing social services sector.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 49.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 60.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 60.5%
Retention Rate: 75.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $65,986
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Certificate	$135,372
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$115,339
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$110,432
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$83,768
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$77,715
Education, General.	Master	$59,576
Economics.	Bachelor	$55,512
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$54,713
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$54,320
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.	Master	$51,750

View all 56 programs →

Campus Life

Sonoma State sits in Rohnert Park, about 50 miles north of San Francisco in California's wine country. The campus houses 3,258 students, though with total enrollment at 5,374, many students commute from nearby areas. You'll need layers rather than heavy coats, as the Mediterranean climate brings warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know your name. With 98.58% of students from California, the campus has a distinctly Golden State vibe. Students often explore nearby Sonoma County wineries and hiking trails on weekends, taking advantage of the region's natural beauty. The university's location puts you within reach of both San Francisco's urban attractions and the outdoor recreation of Northern California. Campus traditions center around the Seawolves athletic teams, which compete in NCAA Division II with 235 total athletes across 11 varsity sports. The suburban setting provides a quieter college experience while keeping you connected to major California destinations.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 3,258 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1960

Campus Safety (2023)

48 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	8	5
Rape	5	5
Stalking	9	0
Domestic Violence	5	3
Fondling	4	4

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 39°–57°F
July Avg: 52°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 25.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Sonoma State draws overwhelmingly from California, with nearly 99% of students coming from in-state. The student body is remarkably diverse, with Hispanic students making up the largest group alongside a substantial white population. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, reflecting the university's strength in education and liberal arts programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation college students from working-class families. This mix creates a campus culture rooted in California's diverse communities rather than chasing national prestige.

Men: 38.8%
Women: 61.2%
White: 40.4%
Black: 2.7%
Hispanic: 41.7%
Asian: 4.9%
In-State Students: 98.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 36.2%

Location

Sonoma State sits in Rohnert Park, California, about 50 miles north of San Francisco. The campus lies in the heart of Sonoma County's wine country, surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards. With 98.58% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with the area's blend of suburban comfort and agricultural beauty. The location offers easy access to both the Pacific Coast and San Francisco Bay Area job markets. Students can intern at local wineries or commute to tech companies in the south. The region maintains a laid-back California vibe while providing real-world experience in agriculture, hospitality, and environmental sciences. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Sonoma State with similar schools in the region.

Address: Rohnert Park, California 94928-3609

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $65,986
Median Earnings (5 years): $65,250
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $41,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 69.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $177/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,705

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Sonoma State University?

Sonoma State University accepts 94% of applicants, making it highly accessible to California students seeking a comprehensive university experience. The school draws almost exclusively from in-state students, with 98.58% of enrollment coming from California residents.

How much does Sonoma State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,801 after financial aid at Sonoma State University. For families earning under $30,000, the net cost drops to just $9,406, while graduates typically leave with a manageable median debt of $16,705.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Sonoma State University?

Sonoma State maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with 5,374 total students, allowing for personalized attention in its liberal arts programs. The university is particularly known for strong programs in business, education, and environmental studies that take advantage of its wine country location.

What are the graduation outcomes at Sonoma State University?

Sonoma State University has a 60.5% six-year graduation rate, with graduates earning a median salary of $65,986 ten years after enrollment. The 94.3% employment rate demonstrates strong career preparation, particularly given the university's location in California's thriving North Bay region.

Where do students live at Sonoma State University?

Sonoma State University houses students in facilities with a capacity of 3,258, serving a campus of 5,374 total students. The suburban Rohnert Park setting provides a college town atmosphere while remaining close to both San Francisco and the famous Sonoma County wine region.

Does Sonoma State University offer athletic scholarships?

Sonoma State University competes in NCAA Division II and awarded $828,456 in athletic scholarships across 11 varsity sports with 235 total athletes. The Seawolves compete in the California Collegiate Athletic Association, balancing competitive athletics with the university's comprehensive academic mission.