Simpson University vs. Sonoma State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Simpson University in Redding, 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 Simpson University based on total student enrollment (5,891 students vs. 992 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Simpson University vs. Sonoma State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simpson University 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 Simpson University ($14,614 vs. $28,653).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson University are 29.2% lower than at Sonoma State University ($11,900 vs. $16,802).
• Simpson University is 360.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $31,084 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87.1% higher at Simpson University than at Sonoma State University (about $18,484 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $21,224.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson University than at Sonoma State University (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson University students is 185.2% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($25,937 vs. $9,094).

Simpson University vs. Sonoma State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Simpson University (1070) is 20 points higher than at Sonoma State University (1050).
• Incoming Simpson University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Sonoma State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson University 960/1185; Sonoma State University 950/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Simpson University 21/28; Sonoma State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Simpson University - Test-free; Sonoma State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson University students have the same average high school GPA (3.4) as students at Sonoma State University (3.4).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than Simpson University (86%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.2% at Simpson University vs. 8.3% at Sonoma State University.

Simpson University vs. Sonoma State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Simpson 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).

• Sonoma State University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Simpson University's (43%).
• Graduates from Sonoma State University earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than Simpson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simpson University graduates have a $832 lower median loan debt than Sonoma State University graduates ($16,668 vs. $17,500).
• Among borrowers, Simpson University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Sonoma State University graduates ($172 vs. $180).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simpson University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 67%)

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.