Sonoma State combines 94.7% admission rates with earnings that rank in the top 25% nationally. As a Mobility Engine institution, the university serves 36.1% Pell-eligible and 41.5% first-generation students while delivering $15,765 in earnings beyond expectations, demonstrating exceptional value-added performance.
Strong long-term earnings relative to educational investment and peer comparison
Controlled costs and manageable debt relative to outcomes achieved
With a tier designation of well above average, reflecting the institution's effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement
With a tier designation of well above average, reflecting the institution's effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisSonoma State University delivers exceptional value through earnings that significantly outperform expectations while maintaining manageable debt levels. Graduates earn $15,765 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, ranking at the 91.7th percentile on this measure.
This reflects the institution's ability to add substantial value regardless of incoming student preparation. Median earnings reach $65,986 ten years after enrollment, with outcomes ranging from $42,120 at the 25th percentile to $91,892 at the 75th percentile.
Students seeking strong economic mobility outcomes at an accessible public university, particularly first-generation (41.5%) and Pell-eligible students (36.1%) interested in business, applied social sciences, or STEM programs. Well-suited for transfer students who want open admission access combined with above-average post-graduation earnings.
Sonoma State University admits 94.7% of applicants, placing it in the Open Access category with admission rates above 75%. This means roughly 19 in 20 applicants receive offers of admission, making the university highly accessible to prospective students.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that Sonoma State is more accessible than typical public institutions, with an admission rate 10.2 percentage points higher than similar universities. This level of accessibility means that most students who meet basic eligibility requirements can expect admission offers.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Sonoma State University's published cost of attendance reaches $24,739 annually, including $8,190 in-state tuition, $15,770 for room and board, and $822 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $20,070 in tuition.
However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $13,801 representing $10,938 in financial aid savings. This net price falls slightly below the peer median of $14,093, making Sonoma State competitively priced among similar public institutions.
The substantial gap between sticker price and net price reflects the institution's commitment to affordability through need-based and merit-based aid programs. California residents benefit from the state's investment in higher education through controlled tuition levels and aid programs.
The financial aid savings of nearly $11,000 annually demonstrates how federal, state, and institutional aid combine to make higher education accessible to diverse student populations. Students should focus on net price rather than published costs when evaluating affordability, as most families pay substantially less than sticker prices.
Computer Science.
66 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
67 graduates
Applied Economics.
45 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
432 graduates
Corrections Administration.
85 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New Jersey City University Similar quality tier (#207 ranked) | NJ | 89% | $52,745 | #207 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
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This is the Sonoma State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/sonoma-state-university/analysis.
Mobility Engine with open admission access
Sonoma State University ranks #206 nationally in Azimuth's comprehensive analysis, with mobility performance at the 88.1st percentile. This Mobility Engine institution demonstrates how accessible public education can deliver strong economic outcomes.
Located in Rohnert Park, California, Sonoma State admits 94.7% of applicants while maintaining earnings that significantly exceed expectations for similar student populations. The university enrolls 36.1% Pell-eligible students and 41.5% first-generation students, well above typical public university access levels.
Graduates earn $15,765 beyond expectations relative to similar students nationally, ranking at the 91.7th percentile on this measure. Median earnings reach $65,986 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution at the 81.0th percentile nationally.
Compared to a peer median of $50,116, graduates earn $15,870 more annually. This combination of open access, strong student diversity, and earnings performance above expectations places Sonoma State firmly within the Mobility Engine quadrant, where institutions serve diverse students while delivering strong economic advancement.
Unlike highly selective institutions where exceptional credentials provide no admission guarantees, Sonoma State's open access model prioritizes educational opportunity over exclusivity. Students should understand that while admission is highly likely, success after enrollment depends on academic preparation and engagement.
For prospective students building college lists, Sonoma State represents a reliable option where admission uncertainty is minimal. The focus shifts from gaining admission to ensuring academic and financial fit for degree completion.
This accessibility model aligns with the California State University system's mission to provide broad educational access while maintaining academic standards through degree requirements rather than admission barriers.
Sonoma State graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth and outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Median earnings progress from $52,179 six years after enrollment to $61,137 at eight years and $65,986 at ten years, representing 26.5% growth from the early-career period.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 2,223 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $15,765 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Sonoma State at the 91.7th percentile for value-added performance.
This substantial uplift indicates the institution's effectiveness in developing student potential regardless of background preparation. Low-income graduates earn $50,800, reflecting strong outcomes for students from disadvantaged economic backgrounds.
Earnings span from $42,120 at the 25th percentile to $91,892 at the 75th percentile, demonstrating varied career trajectories across academic programs. Approximately 23.9% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
Compared to peer institutions with similar student demographics, Sonoma State graduates earn $15,870 more annually, highlighting the institution's distinctive value proposition.
Sonoma State offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with comprehensive federal earnings data for evaluation. Computer Science ranks #29 nationally and #9 in California, producing 66 graduates with median earnings of $129,473 and a value score of 84.7.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #10 nationally and #8 in California, graduating 67 students with median earnings of $124,083 and an exceptional value score of 96.7. Business Administration and Management serves as the largest program, graduating 432 students annually with median earnings of $69,909 and ranking #48 nationally.
Applied/Public Sociology ranks #12 nationally and #6 in California, demonstrating the institution's strength in social sciences with 132 graduates earning $54,677. General Studies ranks #24 nationally and #9 in California, graduating 148 students with median earnings of $51,305.
Corrections Administration ranks #13 nationally and #5 in California, graduating 85 students with median earnings of $58,007. These programs reflect the institution's diverse academic portfolio while maintaining consistent performance across multiple disciplines and ranking highly in competitive national comparisons.
Cuny Graduate School And University Center Similar quality tier (#203 ranked) | NY | 39% | $65,991 | #203 | Compare |
Florida Gulf Coast University Similar quality tier (#210 ranked) | FL | 77% | $54,560 | #210 | Compare |
University Of Nevada-Reno Similar quality tier (#211 ranked) | NV | 85% | $60,614 | #211 | Compare |
Michigan Technological University Similar quality tier (#212 ranked) | MI | 88% | $78,198 | #212 | Compare |
