Sonoma State University vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

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

Salem State University is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sonoma State University is located in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sonoma State University 17:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Sonoma State University vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sonoma State University or Salem State 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 Salem State University ($14,614 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sonoma State University are 0.2% lower than at Salem State University ($16,802 vs. $16,838).
• Salem State University is 43.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $3,714 more per year; $12,338.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.7% higher at Sonoma State University than at Salem State University (about $1,693 more per year; $21,224.00 vs. $19,531.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Sonoma State University (98% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Salem State University students is 13.5% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($10,319 vs. $9,094).

Sonoma State University vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem State University (1080) is 30 points higher than at Sonoma State University (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 950/1150; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sonoma State University - Test-free; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Sonoma State University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than Sonoma State University (93.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Sonoma State University vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Sonoma State University vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sonoma State University and Salem State 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 Salem State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Sonoma State University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Salem State University graduates ($17,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem State University graduates ($180 vs. $248).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 63%)

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.