Simpson University vs. Sonoma State University

Should I go to Simpson University or Sonoma State University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Simpson University or Sonoma State University is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

Add a college to compare up to four schools
Simpson University vs. Sonoma State University comparison
Simpson University Sonoma State University College 3 College 4
Sonoma State University
Remove Remove +Add +Add

Overview

Simpson University Sonoma State University
Location Redding, CA Rohnert Park, CA
Setting Rural Fringe Large Suburban
Enrollment 874 6,637
Type Private 4 Year Public 4 Year
National Ranking #675
Religious Affiliation Christ and Missionary Alliance Church - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website simpsonu.edu sonoma.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Simpson University Sonoma State University
Tuition (In State) $35,980 $5,742
Tuition (Out of State) $35,980 $17,622
Room & Board $11,900 $14,926
Avg Net Price $25,251 $15,507
Avg Grant Aid $27,704 $7,287
% Receiving Grant Aid 99% 77%

Admission

Simpson University Sonoma State University
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied - 10,806
Admitted - 10,158
Acceptance Rate 94%
Enrolled % 9.5%
Avg High School GPA 3.4 3.4
Typical High School Grades B+ B+
Admissions Standards Moderate Very Easy
Applicant Competition
ACT Range 21/28 17/23
SAT Range 960/1185 950/1150
Submit Test Scores Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind)
Application Deadline Aug 1, 2025

Academics

Simpson University Sonoma State University
Student to Faculty Ratio 13:1 18:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (24%)
  • Psychology (20%)
  • Theology and Religious Vvocations (12%)
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities (11%)
  • Health Professions (11%)
  • Business (19%)
  • Social Sciences (13%)
  • Psychology (10%)
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities (9%)
  • Natural Resources Conservation (5%)

Outcomes

Simpson University Sonoma State University
Graduation Rate 43% 57%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $38,200 $49,300
Making Student Loan Payments 67% 69%
Median Student Loan Debt $16,668 $17,500
Median Loan Payment $172 $180

Diversity

Simpson University Sonoma State University
% Men 39% 37%
% Women 61% 63%
Racial Diversity High Very High
HBCU No No
% White 60% 48%
% Black 4% 2%
% Hispanic 12% 29%
% Native American 4% 1%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 3% 7%
% International 2% 2%
% Unknown Race 12% 7%

Students

Simpson University Sonoma State University
% In-State 71% 97%
% Out-of-State 12% 3%

Campus

Simpson University Sonoma State University
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes Yes No
Daycare Facility No Yes
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Sonoma State University is larger than than Simpson University based on total student enrollment (6,637 students vs. 874 students)

Simpson University vs. Sonoma State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Simpson University or Sonoma State University?

  • Simpson University is 526.6% more expensive to attend than Sonoma State University for in-state tuition ($35,980.00 vs. $5,742.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 104.2% higher at Simpson University than Sonoma State University ($35,980.00 vs. $17,622.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Sonoma State University than Simpson University ($15,507 vs. $25,251)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson University are 25.4% lower than costs at Sonoma State University ($11,900 vs. $14,926)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Simpson University than Sonoma State University (99% vs. 77%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson University students is 280.2% larger than aid received Sonoma State University ($27,704 vs. $7,287)

Which college is harder to get into, Simpson University or Sonoma State University? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between Sonoma State University or Simpson University .

  • The average SAT score at Simpson University (1001) is 5 points higher than at Sonoma State University (996)
  • Incoming Sonoma State University students have a 1 point higher average ACT score (22) than students at Simpson University (21)
  • Accepted freshman Simpson University students have at the same average high school GPA (3.4) as students at Sonoma State University (3.4)

Simpson University vs. Sonoma State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Simpson University or Sonoma State University? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between Sonoma State University and Simpson University.

  • The graduation rate at Sonoma State University is higher than Simpson University (57% vs. 43%)
  • Graduates from Sonoma State University earn on average $11,100 more per year than Simpson University graduates after ten years. ($49,300 vs. $38,200)
  • Simpson University students graduate with a $832 lower median federal student loan debt than Sonoma State University graduates. ($16,668 vs. $17,500)
  • Simpson University graduates are paying $8 less per month on federal student loans 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/