Sonoma State University vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sonoma State University is located in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sonoma State University 17:1; Marshall University 16:1.

Sonoma State University vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sonoma State University or Marshall 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 Marshall University than Sonoma State University ($8,076 vs. $14,614).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marshall University are 20.9% lower than at Sonoma State University ($13,292 vs. $16,802).
• Marshall University is 6.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $538 more per year; $9,162.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.3% higher at Sonoma State University than at Marshall University (about $882 more per year; $21,224.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at Sonoma State University (97% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marshall University students is 47.9% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($13,448 vs. $9,094).

Sonoma State University vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sonoma State University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Marshall University (1030).
• Incoming Marshall 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; Marshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 17/23; Marshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sonoma State University - Test-free; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Sonoma State University (3.4).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Sonoma State University (93.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Sonoma State University vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Sonoma State University vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sonoma State University and Marshall 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 Marshall University's (44%).
• Graduates from Sonoma State University earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than Marshall University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $5,634 lower median loan debt than Marshall University graduates ($17,500 vs. $23,134).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marshall University graduates ($180 vs. $239).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 43%)

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.