San Diego State vs. Sonoma State University

Comparable Facts

Compare San Diego State University in San Diego, CA with Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Diego State University is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (41,137 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Diego State University is located in San Diego, CA (Large City setting); Sonoma State University is in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• San Diego State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Diego State University 27:1; Sonoma State University 17:1.

San Diego State vs. Sonoma State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Diego State 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 San Diego State ($14,614 vs. $14,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sonoma State University are 27% lower than at San Diego State University ($16,802 vs. $23,030).
• San Diego State University is 1.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $104 more per year; $8,728.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.5% higher at San Diego State than at Sonoma State University (about $104 more per year; $21,328.00 vs. $21,224.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sonoma State University than at San Diego State University (83% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Diego State University students is 32.5% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($12,053 vs. $9,094).

San Diego State vs. Sonoma State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Diego State 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 San Diego State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Diego State University (1200) is 150 points higher than at Sonoma State University (1050).
• Incoming San Diego State students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Sonoma State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 1090/1300; Sonoma State University 950/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Diego State University 22/29; Sonoma State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Diego State - Test-free; Sonoma State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Diego State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Diego State students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.82) than students at Sonoma State University (3.4).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than San Diego State (36.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at San Diego State vs. 8.3% at Sonoma State University.

San Diego State vs. Sonoma State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Diego State 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).

• San Diego State University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Sonoma State University's (57%).
• Graduates from San Diego State University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Sonoma State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $49,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Diego State University graduates have a $2,151 lower median loan debt than Sonoma State University graduates ($15,349 vs. $17,500).
• Among borrowers, San Diego State graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Sonoma State University graduates ($158 vs. $180).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego State students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 65%)

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.