CSU vs. Sonoma State University

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Chico is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (15,257 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Chico is located in Chico, CA (Small City setting); Sonoma State University is in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Chico 23:1; Sonoma State University 17:1.

CSU vs. Sonoma State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU 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 CSU ($14,614 vs. $14,630).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California State University Chico are 1.8% lower than at Sonoma State University ($16,500 vs. $16,802).
• Sonoma State University is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $152 more per year; $8,624.00 vs. $8,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.7% higher at Sonoma State University than at California State University Chico (about $152 more per year; $21,224.00 vs. $21,072.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sonoma State University than at California State University Chico (83% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Chico students is 26.6% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($11,509 vs. $9,094).

CSU vs. Sonoma State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU 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 CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Chico (1070) is 20 points higher than at Sonoma State University (1050).
• Incoming CSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Sonoma State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 970/1170; Sonoma State University 950/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 18/24; Sonoma State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; Sonoma State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Sonoma State University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at CSU (3.37).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than CSU (92.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at CSU vs. 8.3% at Sonoma State University.

CSU vs. Sonoma State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU 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 State University Chico's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Sonoma State University's (57%).
• Graduates from California State University Chico earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Sonoma State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,400 vs. $49,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Chico graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Sonoma State University graduates ($17,000 vs. $17,500).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Sonoma State University graduates ($175 vs. $180).
• More CSU 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.