San Francisco State vs. Sonoma State University

Comparable Facts

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

San Francisco State University is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (22,563 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Francisco State University is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); Sonoma State University is in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• San Francisco 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 Francisco State University 19:1; Sonoma State University 17:1.

San Francisco State vs. Sonoma State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Francisco 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 San Francisco State University than Sonoma State University ($13,168 vs. $14,614).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sonoma State University are 24.5% lower than at San Francisco State University ($16,802 vs. $22,266).
• Sonoma State University is 8.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Francisco State (about $674 more per year; $8,624.00 vs. $7,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at Sonoma State University than at San Francisco State University (about $674 more per year; $21,224.00 vs. $20,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sonoma State University than at San Francisco State University (83% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Francisco State University students is 42.9% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($12,996 vs. $9,094).

San Francisco State vs. Sonoma State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sonoma State University (1050) is 20 points higher than at San Francisco State (1030).
• Incoming Sonoma State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at San Francisco State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Francisco State University 930/1130; Sonoma State University 950/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Francisco State University 16/23; Sonoma State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Francisco State - Test-free; Sonoma State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Francisco State Nov 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Sonoma State University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at San Francisco State (3.31).
• San Francisco State has a higher acceptance rate (96.4%) than Sonoma State University (93.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.6% at San Francisco State vs. 8.3% at Sonoma State University.

San Francisco State vs. Sonoma State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Francisco 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).

• Sonoma State University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than San Francisco State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Francisco State University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Sonoma State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,600 vs. $49,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Francisco State University graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Sonoma State University graduates ($17,250 vs. $17,500).
• Among borrowers, San Francisco State graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Sonoma State University graduates ($178 vs. $180).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Francisco State students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 63%)

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.