Cal State Fullerton vs. Sonoma State University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Fullerton in Fullerton, 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 Fullerton is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (43,662 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Fullerton is located in Fullerton, CA (Midsize City setting); Sonoma State University is in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• California State University Fullerton 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 Fullerton 26:1; Sonoma State University 17:1.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Sonoma State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal State Fullerton 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 California State University Fullerton than Sonoma State University ($7,064 vs. $14,614).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sonoma State University are 11.9% lower than at California State University Fullerton ($16,802 vs. $19,080).
• Sonoma State University is 15.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal State Fullerton (about $1,154 more per year; $8,624.00 vs. $7,470.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.7% higher at Sonoma State University than at California State University Fullerton (about $1,154 more per year; $21,224.00 vs. $20,070.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sonoma State University than at California State University Fullerton (83% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Fullerton students is 23.5% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($11,234 vs. $9,094).

Cal State Fullerton vs. Sonoma State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal State Fullerton 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 Cal State Fullerton.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California State University Fullerton (1090) is 40 points higher than at Sonoma State University (1050).
• Incoming Cal State Fullerton students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Sonoma State University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 1000/1180; Sonoma State University 950/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Fullerton 18/23; Sonoma State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal State Fullerton - Test-free; Sonoma State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal State Fullerton Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Cal State Fullerton students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Sonoma State University (3.4).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than Cal State Fullerton (90.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.2% at Cal State Fullerton vs. 8.3% at Sonoma State University.

Cal State Fullerton vs. Sonoma State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal State Fullerton 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).

• Sonoma State University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than California State University Fullerton's (50%).
• Graduates from Sonoma State University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Cal State Fullerton graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Fullerton graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Sonoma State University graduates ($15,000 vs. $17,500).
• Among borrowers, Cal State Fullerton graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Sonoma State University graduates ($155 vs. $180).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cal State Fullerton students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.