Sonoma State University vs. Lamar University

Comparable Facts

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

Lamar University is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (17,772 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sonoma State University is located in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting); Lamar University is in Beaumont, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lamar University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sonoma State University 17:1; Lamar University 20:1.

Sonoma State University vs. Lamar University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sonoma State University or Lamar 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 Lamar University than Sonoma State University ($9,814 vs. $14,614).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lamar University are 37.7% lower than at Sonoma State University ($10,464 vs. $16,802).
• Lamar University is 3.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $281 more per year; $8,905.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at Sonoma State University than at Lamar University (about $2,479 more per year; $21,224.00 vs. $18,745.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lamar University than at Sonoma State University (91% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lamar University students is 34.8% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($12,263 vs. $9,094).

Sonoma State University vs. Lamar University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sonoma State University (1050) is 10 points higher than at Lamar University (1040).
• Incoming Lamar University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Sonoma State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 950/1150; Lamar University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 17/23; Lamar University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sonoma State University - Test-free; Lamar University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Sonoma State University students have the same average high school GPA (3.4) as students at Lamar University (3.4).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than Lamar University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Sonoma State University vs. 21.9% at Lamar University.

Sonoma State University vs. Lamar University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sonoma State University and Lamar 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 Lamar University's (31%).
• Graduates from Sonoma State University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Lamar University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $45,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Lamar University graduates ($17,500 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lamar University graduates ($180 vs. $227).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lamar University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 42%)

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.