Students at Sonoma State University earn significantly more than similar students at other institutions, with graduates seeing nearly $15,800 in higher-than-expected earnings compared with peers nationwide.
This earnings advantage, combined with strong outcomes for low-income students, places the university among the top public institutions for long-term financial success.
Sonoma State University delivers exceptional value for students seeking strong long-term financial outcomes at an accessible public institution. Located in Rohnert Park, California, this mid-sized university consistently produces graduates who earn significantly more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions. With graduates earning a median of $65,986 ten years after enrollment and achieving earnings beyond expectations of nearly $15,800, Sonoma State demonstrates how a regional public university can deliver outcomes typically associated with more selective institutions.
The university serves a diverse student body, with 36% of students receiving Pell Grants and 41% being first-generation college students, yet maintains strong graduation rates and earnings outcomes across income levels. As a designated "Mobility Engine," Sonoma State combines broad access with meaningful upward mobility, particularly for low-income students who earn $50,800 at the ten-year mark.
What sets Sonoma State apart is its ability to balance accessibility with results. The university admits a substantial portion of applicants while still delivering top-tier earnings outcomes that place it in the 80th percentile nationally. For families seeking a public university that provides both affordability and strong return on investment, Sonoma State represents an exceptional choice in California's higher education landscape.
Sonoma State University's program portfolio balances broad accessibility with strong career outcomes across multiple fields. Business Administration serves as the university's economic engine, graduating 432 students annually with solid median earnings of $54,320, creating the highest aggregate return among all programs. This large-scale program demonstrates the university's ability to prepare substantial numbers of students for management and professional roles in California's diverse economy.
At the earnings spectrum's high end, Adult Health Nursing delivers exceptional outcomes with graduates earning $110,432, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in California. Psychology, the university's second-largest program with 213 graduates, provides foundational preparation for various career paths with earnings of $31,133. Even programs with more modest earnings like Exercise Science and Kinesiology at $29,141 offer solid preparation for careers in health, fitness, and education sectors.
The university's program mix reflects its regional mission while maintaining strong connections to California's broader job market. Business and health-related programs drive much of the strong earnings performance, while liberal arts and social science programs provide pathways into education, social services, and graduate study. This balanced approach helps explain why Sonoma State consistently delivers earnings beyond expectations across its diverse academic portfolio.
Graduates of Sonoma State University achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $65,986, placing the university in the 80th percentile nationally for earnings. More importantly, graduates earn nearly $15,800 more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the strongest earnings advantages among public universities. This earnings beyond expectations performance demonstrates the university's ability to add substantial value to students' career trajectories.
The university's program mix drives these strong outcomes through a combination of high-enrollment, high-return majors. Business Administration stands out as the economic engine, graduating 432 students annually with median earnings of $54,320, creating the highest aggregate return among all programs. Psychology, the university's largest major with 213 graduates, provides a solid foundation for various career paths with earnings of $31,133. At the high end, Adult Health Nursing delivers exceptional outcomes with graduates earning $110,432, while programs like Exercise Science and Kinesiology offer more modest but still competitive earnings at $29,141.
Graduates enter California's job market where the state's higher cost of living is offset by stronger salary levels and diverse career opportunities. The university's location in the North Bay provides access to both San Francisco Bay Area opportunities and regional employers, contributing to the strong earnings performance that places Sonoma State among the top public universities nationwide for long-term financial outcomes.
Sonoma State University offers strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay approximately $9,406 per year in net price, well below national averages and placing the university in the top quartile for affordability. Middle-income families see annual costs around $12,751, while higher-income families pay about $22,141, representing predictable and transparent pricing that helps families plan effectively over four years.
The university's debt structure supports long-term financial sustainability for graduates. Typical students leave with $16,705 in federal loan debt, a manageable amount given the strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $23,772, reflecting moderate family contributions that align with the university's middle-class accessibility. With a 0% federal loan default rate, Sonoma State demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations, supported by the strong earnings that make repayment comfortable rather than burdensome.
What makes Sonoma State particularly sustainable is how well debt levels align with post-graduation earning power. With median earnings approaching $66,000 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment terms without financial stress. The combination of reasonable upfront costs, moderate debt levels, and strong earnings creates a financial pathway that works for families across different income levels while delivering meaningful long-term value.
Sonoma State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
