Golden Gate University vs. Sonoma State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Golden Gate University in San Francisco, 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 Golden Gate University based on total student enrollment (5,891 students vs. 3,098 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Golden Gate University is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); Sonoma State University is in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Golden Gate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Golden Gate University 7:1; Sonoma State University 17:1.

Golden Gate University vs. Sonoma State University Cost Comparison

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

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Golden Gate University are 21.4% lower than at Sonoma State University ($13,200 vs. $16,802).
• Golden Gate University is 259.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $22,364 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46% higher at Golden Gate University than at Sonoma State University (about $9,764 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $21,224.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sonoma State University than at Golden Gate University (83% vs. 0%).

Golden Gate University vs. Sonoma State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Golden Gate 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 Golden Gate University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSonoma State University 950/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSonoma State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Golden Gate University - Not reported; Sonoma State University - Test-free.

Golden Gate University vs. Sonoma State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Golden Gate 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).

• Graduates from Golden Gate University earn a median of about $27,100 more per year than Sonoma State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,400 vs. $49,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $12,339 lower median loan debt than Golden Gate University graduates ($17,500 vs. $29,839).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $128 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Golden Gate University graduates ($180 vs. $308).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Golden Gate University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 57%)

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.