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Established in 1960, Sonoma State University (SSU) is a public state college located in Rohnert Park, California. Over its 60+-year existence, this acclaimed institution has been recognized for its strong academic programs. SSU boasts an enrollment of nearly 7,400 students, making this a mid-size institution. With the aim to provide individual attention and opportunities for collaboration with faculty members, Sonoma State offers students a personalized educational experience.


Overview of Sonoma State University (SSU)


Sonoma State University (SSU) offers an inclusive and vibrant campus environment, where students are welcomed by a warm and friendly community that celebrates diversity while creating connections. Notably located in Sonoma County's scenic Wine Country region, students can take advantage of beautiful landscapes, vineyards, and wineries that surround Sonoma State for an idyllic educational journey. SSU offers students the chance to thrive in stunning natural settings, and to receive an extraordinary educational experience. SSU boasts an academic program with a broad selection of degree programs to meet any student's interests and career objectives. Their student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1 allows for decent class sizes with personalized attention from professors.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting Suburb: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 18:1
Graduation Rate 60%
Year Founded 1961

Student Enrollment


Total Students6,637

Undergraduate
5,934
Graduate
703

Undergraduate Student

Male 2,255
2,255
Female 3,679
3,679

Graduate Student

Male 267
267
Female 436
436

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SSU Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS10,806

Male 4,391
Female 6,415

ACCEPTANCE10,158

Male 4,128
Female 6,030

Acceptance Rate94%

Male 94%
Female 94%

Enrollment 1,016

Male 371
Female 603
Admissions
Application Fee $70
High School GPA Required To Be Considered
High School Rank Not Considered
High School Transcripts Required To Be Considered
College Prep Courses Required To Be Considered
Recommendations Not Considered
Formal demonstration of competencies Not Considered
Work experience Not Required, But Considered
Personal statement or essay Not Considered
Legacy status Not Considered
SAT/ACT Not Considered
Other Test (Wonderlic,WISC-III,etc) Not Considered
English Proficiency Test Required To Be Considered
Application Deadline February 18
Common Application Accepted No

SSU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


Sonoma State University provides an affordable education to both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students, with tuition costs sitting between $8,000 and $20,000 per year, respectively. Students attending from within the state receive a lower bill for tuition each year and easy transfers to other schools by way of its membership in the California State University (CSU) system. Other costs, in addition to annual tuition includes books and supplies, estimated at $1,044, and room and board, estimated at $14,926 for those living on-campus and $17,784 for those living off-campus. This brings total tuition numbers for in-state students to $27,352, and out-of-state students can expect to be charged around $39,232.

Obviously, costs may be lower for those who can live off-campus with family, but most students won’t have that option. Instead, SSU recognizing the financial challenges students may encounter, offers various financial aid options to reduce the cost of education. An estimated 81% of undergraduate students received some form of assistance in a recent year - such as grants, scholarships, work-study programs, or loans - making their education more affordable and accessible. Sonoma State encourages its students to explore all available funding options to make higher education more affordable and accessible, which means filing your FAFSA every year.

Average net price 2021-2022
Net Price $15,507
Average Total Aid $7,287
Students Receiving Financial Aid 81%
Room & Board $17,784

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $8,060
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $19,940
  • Books and Supplies - $1,044
  • Room & Board - $17,784
  • Other - $3,364

Popular Academic Programs at SSU


Sonoma State University stands out as a leader in wine business education with its esteemed wine business programs, widely known among industry peers. Courses give students an exceptional opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience within the wine industry while learning its intricacies. There are various wine-focused degrees available such as Wine Business Strategies, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing - which give students access to these opportunities.

SSU has distinguished itself in terms of academic reputation. Consistently ranking among the top public universities in US News & World Report rankings and featuring the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center. Sonoma State is making strides to foster creativity while furthering artistic exploration. SSU academics offer a diverse and enriching educational experience for its students, featuring various degree programs in over 60 majors, reasonable student-to-faculty ratio, a high retention rate and average graduation rate, and specialty offerings like its wine business programs - providing high-quality instruction that prepares graduates to be successful professionals in their chosen fields.

Student Population Total


Student Population 6,637

Undergraduate
5,934
Graduate
703
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Business Majors 419 Total Graduates / 19%
Business Administration and Management, General 419 Graduates
All Social Sciences Majors 304 Total Graduates / 14%
Sociology, General 141 Graduates
Geography 73 Graduates
Political Science and Government, General 37 Graduates
Anthropology, General 27 Graduates
All Psychology Majors 201 Total Graduates / 9%
Psychology, General 201 Graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities 136 Total Graduates / 6%
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies 136 Graduates
All Education Majors 127 Total Graduates / 6%
Education, Other 127 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 46%

Outcome & Salary


Sonoma State University prides itself on equipping its graduates with the essential knowledge and skills to be successful in their chosen fields, giving them excellent employment prospects upon graduating as well as graduate school admission opportunities. SSU graduates excel in experiential learning and practical skills, resulting in their being fully prepared for employment upon graduating. Their high graduation rate indicates their preparation. Furthermore, the school's strong connections to industry leaders in the region offer students great networking and internship opportunities.

SSU can also take great pride in its vast alumni network, with many graduates finding success in business, education, healthcare, and the arts - a testament to their education at Sonoma State. Graduates have also shown tremendous earnings potential. Median earnings for alumni are above average earners and many see substantial salary increases over time - testaments to the quality education and training received at this institution.

SSU also provides many graduate school opportunities for those pursuing further study. Partnered with renowned programs and institutions, Sonoma State allows its students to continue their educational pursuits with ease. This institution is committed to the success of its graduates, offering them excellent employment and earning potential, along with opportunities for further study.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $57,500
College Grads Average Salary $78,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $104,700
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $780,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,827,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $62,028
10 Year Projected ROI $717,972
20 Year Projected ROI $1,764,972
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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