San Jose State vs. Sonoma State University

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Jose State University is located in San Jose, CA (Large City setting); Sonoma State University is in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• San Jose 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 Jose State University 25:1; Sonoma State University 17:1.

San Jose State vs. Sonoma State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose 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 Jose State University than Sonoma State University ($13,892 vs. $14,614).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sonoma State University are 19.9% lower than at San Jose State University ($16,802 vs. $20,971).
• Sonoma State University is 2.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $214 more per year; $8,624.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1% higher at Sonoma State University than at San Jose State University (about $214 more per year; $21,224.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sonoma State University than at San Jose State University (83% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Jose State University students is 35.8% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($12,353 vs. $9,094).

San Jose State vs. Sonoma State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Jose State University (1130) is 80 points higher than at Sonoma State University (1050).
• Incoming San Jose State 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: San Jose State University 1010/1240; Sonoma State University 950/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26; Sonoma State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; Sonoma State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Sonoma State University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than San Jose State (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 8.3% at Sonoma State University.

San Jose State vs. Sonoma State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Jose 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 Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $10,600 more per year than Sonoma State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $49,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Sonoma State University graduates ($15,000 vs. $17,500).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Sonoma State University graduates ($155 vs. $180).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Sonoma State University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 69%)

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.