Lincoln University vs. Sonoma State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lincoln University in Oakland, 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 Lincoln University based on total student enrollment (5,891 students vs. 436 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lincoln University is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); Sonoma State University is in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Lincoln University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lincoln University 15:1; Sonoma State University 17:1.

Lincoln University vs. Sonoma State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lincoln 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 Lincoln University are 50% lower than at Sonoma State University ($8,400 vs. $16,802).
• Lincoln University is 52.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $4,526 more per year; $13,150.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.4% higher at Sonoma State University than at Lincoln University (about $8,074 more per year; $21,224.00 vs. $13,150.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sonoma State University than at Lincoln University (83% vs. 0%).

Lincoln University vs. Sonoma State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lincoln 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 Lincoln University.

• Lincoln University reports an open admissions policy.
• 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: Lincoln University - Open admission; Sonoma State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lincoln University Jul 13, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Sonoma State University students have a 0.8 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Lincoln University (2.6).

Lincoln University vs. Sonoma State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lincoln 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).

• Lincoln University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Sonoma State University's (57%).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lincoln University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 51%)

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.