Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 60.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.5%
- Retention Rate
- 75.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $65,986
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $16,705
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 69.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $177/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Certificate | $135,372 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $115,339 | $41,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $110,432 | $12,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $83,768 | $36,736 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $77,715 | $20,110 |
| Education, General. | Master | $59,576 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $55,512 | $19,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $54,713 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $54,320 | $16,500 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $51,750 | $32,570 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $49,436 | $17,924 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $39,729 | $19,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $39,009 | $20,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $37,856 | $13,500 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $37,748 | $17,250 |
Outcomes Overview
Sonoma State graduates earn a median salary of $65,986 within 10 years, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 25% with typical debt loads of $16,705. Monthly loan payments of $177 represent just 3.2% of median income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The university's 94.3% employment rate reflects strong job placement in the Bay Area's competitive market. Graduates commonly enter business, education, and environmental consulting roles, leveraging the school's location in California's wine country and proximity to San Francisco. The 69.35% loan repayment rate indicates most alumni successfully manage their financial obligations. Combined with reasonable in-state tuition of $8,190, Sonoma State delivers a strong return on investment for California residents seeking practical career preparation.