PUC vs. Sonoma State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Pacific Union College in Angwin, 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 PUC based on total student enrollment (5,891 students vs. 974 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

PUC vs. Sonoma State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PUC 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 PUC ($14,614 vs. $22,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Union College are 41.6% lower than at Sonoma State University ($9,816 vs. $16,802).
• Pacific Union College is 331% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $28,549 more per year; $37,173.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 75.1% higher at PUC than at Sonoma State University (about $15,949 more per year; $37,173.00 vs. $21,224.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Union College than at Sonoma State University (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Union College students is 192.8% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($26,629 vs. $9,094).

PUC vs. Sonoma State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PUC 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 PUC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pacific Union College (1060) is 10 points higher than at Sonoma State University (1050).
• Incoming PUC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Sonoma State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Union College 930/1190; Sonoma State University 950/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Union College 20/24; Sonoma State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PUC - Test-free; Sonoma State University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Sonoma State University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at PUC (3.24).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than PUC (47.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14% at PUC vs. 8.3% at Sonoma State University.

PUC vs. Sonoma State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PUC 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 Pacific Union College's (45%).
• Graduates from Pacific Union College earn a median of about $9,900 more per year than Sonoma State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,200 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 PUC graduates ($17,500 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $130 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PUC graduates ($180 vs. $310).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PUC 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.