Life Pacific University vs. Sonoma State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Life Pacific University in San Dimas, 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 Life Pacific University based on total student enrollment (5,891 students vs. 621 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Life Pacific University vs. Sonoma State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life Pacific 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 Life Pacific University ($14,614 vs. $21,602).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Life Pacific University are 27.4% lower than at Sonoma State University ($12,190 vs. $16,802).
• Life Pacific University is 156.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $13,494 more per year; $22,118.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at Life Pacific University than at Sonoma State University (about $894 more per year; $22,118.00 vs. $21,224.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Life Pacific University than at Sonoma State University (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life Pacific University students is 50.6% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($13,696 vs. $9,094).

Life Pacific University vs. Sonoma State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Life Pacific 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 Life Pacific University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sonoma State University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Life Pacific University (1010).
• Incoming Life Pacific University 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: Life Pacific University 930/1085; Sonoma State University 950/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life Pacific University 16/25; Sonoma State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life Pacific University - Test-free; Sonoma State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Life Pacific University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Sonoma State University students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Life Pacific University (2.91).
• Life Pacific University has a higher acceptance rate (95.8%) than Sonoma State University (93.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.8% at Life Pacific University vs. 8.3% at Sonoma State University.

Life Pacific University vs. Sonoma State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life Pacific 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 Life Pacific University's (33%).
• Graduates from Sonoma State University earn a median of about $17,300 more per year than Life Pacific University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $32,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $3,030 lower median loan debt than Life Pacific University graduates ($17,500 vs. $20,530).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Life Pacific University graduates ($180 vs. $212).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life Pacific University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 54%)

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.