Sonoma State University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA with Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sonoma State University is located in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sonoma State University 17:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Sonoma State University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sonoma State University or NKU? 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 Northern Kentucky University than Sonoma State University ($9,211 vs. $14,614).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern Kentucky University are 24.3% lower than at Sonoma State University ($12,712 vs. $16,802).
• Northern Kentucky University is 28.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $2,464 more per year; $11,088.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.2% higher at NKU than at Sonoma State University (about $688 more per year; $21,912.00 vs. $21,224.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Kentucky University than at Sonoma State University (98% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Kentucky University students is 13.6% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($10,332 vs. $9,094).

Sonoma State University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sonoma State University (1050) is the same as at NKU (1050).
• Incoming NKU 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; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 17/23; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sonoma State University - Test-free; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NKU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Sonoma State University (3.4).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Sonoma State University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Sonoma State University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sonoma State University and NKU? 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 Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Sonoma State University earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $7,450 lower median loan debt than NKU graduates ($17,500 vs. $24,950).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NKU graduates ($180 vs. $257).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 53%)

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.