Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Rohnert Park, California |
| Online | sonoma.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Sonoma State University is located in Rohnert Park, California, approximately 45 miles north of San Francisco in the heart of Sonoma County's wine country. The 269-acre campus features modern Spanish mission-style architecture surrounded by rolling hills and expansive landscaping, with the notable Green Music Center serving as a regional performing arts venue. Established in 1961 as part of the California State University system, Sonoma State operates as a public liberal arts institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs, with recognized strengths in business administration, education, and wine business management. The university maintains several residential communities where most first-year students live on campus, and its academic facilities include the Fairfield Osborn Preserve and the Galbreath Wildlands Preserve, which serve as outdoor classrooms for environmental studies. The institution competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Seawolves, primarily participating in the California Collegiate Athletic Association.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Sonoma State University is rated within the lower 45% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Sonoma State University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#675 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#232 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#46 in Best Colleges in California
#16 in Best Public Colleges in California
#218 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 950/1150 |
| ACT | 17/23 |
| GPA | 3.4 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $70 |
Annual Cost to Attend
California Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,044 |
| Other Fees | $2,318 |
| Room and Board | $14,926 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,322 |
| Total One Year Cost | $27,352 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,044 |
| Other Fees | $2,318 |
| Room and Board | $14,926 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,322 |
| Total One Year Cost | $39,232 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 19% |
| Social Sciences | 13% |
| Psychology | 10% |
| Liberal Arts and Humanities | 9% |
| Natural Resources Conservation | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Sonoma State University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=123572 IPEDS survey data for Sonoma State University.
Current students may use the Sonoma State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024