Sonoma State University vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

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

Central Washington University is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sonoma State University is located in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sonoma State University 17:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

Sonoma State University vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sonoma State University or Central Washington 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 Central Washington University ($14,614 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Washington University are 1.9% lower than at Sonoma State University ($16,480 vs. $16,802).
• Central Washington University is 9.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $793 more per year; $9,417.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.7% higher at Central Washington University than at Sonoma State University (about $6,302 more per year; $27,526.00 vs. $21,224.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Washington University than at Sonoma State University (85% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sonoma State University students is 3.2% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($9,094 vs. $8,816).

Sonoma State University vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Sonoma State University or Central Washington 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 Central Washington University and Sonoma State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sonoma State University (1050) is 10 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming Sonoma State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Central Washington University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 950/1150; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 17/23; Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sonoma State University - Test-free; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Sonoma State University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than Central Washington University (90.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Sonoma State University vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

Sonoma State University vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sonoma State University and Central Washington 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 Central Washington University's (56%).
• Graduates from Sonoma State University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Central Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $3,237 lower median loan debt than Central Washington University graduates ($17,500 vs. $20,737).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central Washington University graduates ($180 vs. $214).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 60%)

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.