La Sierra University vs. Sonoma State University

Comparable Facts

Compare La Sierra University in Riverside, 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 La Sierra University based on total student enrollment (5,891 students vs. 1,574 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); Sonoma State University is in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; Sonoma State University 17:1.

La Sierra University vs. Sonoma State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra 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 La Sierra University ($14,614 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at La Sierra University are 20.1% lower than at Sonoma State University ($13,431 vs. $16,802).
• La Sierra University is 337.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $29,086 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77.7% higher at La Sierra University than at Sonoma State University (about $16,486 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $21,224.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at La Sierra University than at Sonoma State University (98% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Sierra University students is 204% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($27,646 vs. $9,094).

La Sierra University vs. Sonoma State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, La Sierra 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 La Sierra University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sonoma State University (1050) is 40 points higher than at La Sierra University (1010).
• Incoming La Sierra University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Sonoma State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140; Sonoma State University 950/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28; Sonoma State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; Sonoma State University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman La Sierra University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Sonoma State University (3.4).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than La Sierra University (91.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at La Sierra University vs. 8.3% at Sonoma State University.

La Sierra University vs. Sonoma State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for La Sierra 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).

• Sonoma State University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than La Sierra University's (32%).
• Graduates from La Sierra University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Sonoma State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $49,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $12,500 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($17,500 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $130 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($180 vs. $310).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former La Sierra University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 52%)

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.