California Lutheran University vs. Sonoma State University

Comparable Facts

Compare California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA with Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Sonoma State University is larger than California Lutheran University based on total student enrollment (5,891 students vs. 3,351 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks, CA (Midsize City setting); Sonoma State University is in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Lutheran University 13:1; Sonoma State University 17:1.

California Lutheran University vs. Sonoma State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, California Lutheran University or Sonoma State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Sonoma State University than California Lutheran University ($14,614 vs. $32,774).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sonoma State University are 0% lower than at California Lutheran University ($16,802 vs. $16,810).
• California Lutheran University is 509.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $43,936 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 147.6% higher at California Lutheran University than at Sonoma State University (about $31,336 more per year; $52,560.00 vs. $21,224.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Lutheran University than at Sonoma State University (99% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Lutheran University students is 294.3% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($35,855 vs. $9,094).

California Lutheran University vs. Sonoma State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, California Lutheran University or Sonoma State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Sonoma State University and California Lutheran University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Lutheran University (1240) is 190 points higher than at Sonoma State University (1050).
• Incoming California Lutheran University students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 20 at Sonoma State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 1150/1330; Sonoma State University 950/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Lutheran University 24/31; Sonoma State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: California Lutheran University - Test optional; Sonoma State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: California Lutheran University Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman California Lutheran University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Sonoma State University (3.4).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than California Lutheran University (75.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at California Lutheran University vs. 8.3% at Sonoma State University.

California Lutheran University vs. Sonoma State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for California Lutheran University and Sonoma State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California Lutheran University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Sonoma State University's (57%).
• Graduates from California Lutheran University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Sonoma State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,900 vs. $49,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than California Lutheran University graduates ($17,500 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than California Lutheran University graduates ($180 vs. $237).
• More California Lutheran University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Sonoma State University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.