At $13,801/yr net price, Sonoma State University graduates earn $65,986/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $31,986/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,801 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,204 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,986/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$31,986/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,705 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,406/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,158/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,751/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,423/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,141/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
60.5% of students at Sonoma State University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 40% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Sonoma State University offers solid financial value with a low net price of $13,801 annually and manageable debt loads, but your return depends heavily on your major choice. The nursing program delivers strong earnings potential, with graduates earning between $110,000-$135,000 annually, making it one of the strongest ROI programs in the California State University system.
Business administration and computer science graduates also see respectable returns at $83,768 and $77,715 respectively, though business majors carry higher debt at $36,736. Your earnings will likely reflect the North Bay's proximity to San Francisco's tech sector and healthcare demand, particularly beneficial for nursing and tech graduates.
The school's 60.5% graduation rate creates financial risk if you don't complete your degree, and the 75% retention rate suggests some students struggle with fit or academic preparation. Liberal arts and social science majors face weaker job markets in the regional economy, making careful program selection critical for positive ROI.
Sonoma State works best financially if you can access the competitive nursing program or pursue business or computer science. The relatively low aid percentage at 36% means most students pay close to full price, but the affordable tuition keeps costs reasonable. Avoid this school if you plan to major in lower-earning fields without clear career paths, as the regional job market offers limited opportunities outside healthcare, business, and technology sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sonoma State University worth the cost?
Sonoma State offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $13,801 and median debt of only $16,705. However, the 10-year earnings of $65,986 are below average for college graduates, and the 60% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at Sonoma State University?
Nursing programs dominate the highest earnings at Sonoma State, with graduates earning $110,000-$135,000 annually. Business administration ($83,768) and computer science ($77,715) also offer solid returns, while other majors typically earn much less.
How much debt do Sonoma State University graduates have?
Sonoma State graduates have a median debt of $16,705, which is lower than the national average. The relatively affordable net price of $13,801 per year helps keep borrowing manageable for most students.
Does Sonoma State University have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes vary significantly by major at Sonoma State, with nursing graduates earning six-figure salaries while other programs show more modest returns. The 94% acceptance rate and 60% graduation rate suggest the school admits many students but struggles to get them across the finish line.