Sonoma State University vs. Shepherd University

Comparable Facts

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

Sonoma State University is larger than Shepherd University based on total student enrollment (5,891 students vs. 3,339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Sonoma State University vs. Shepherd University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sonoma State University or Shepherd 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 Shepherd University than Sonoma State University ($11,744 vs. $14,614).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shepherd University are 23.1% lower than at Sonoma State University ($12,916 vs. $16,802).
• Shepherd University is 5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $432 more per year; $9,056.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.2% higher at Sonoma State University than at Shepherd University (about $2,142 more per year; $21,224.00 vs. $19,082.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shepherd University than at Sonoma State University (96% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sonoma State University students is 10.4% larger than aid received by Shepherd University students ($9,094 vs. $8,241).

Sonoma State University vs. Shepherd University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sonoma State University (1050) is 40 points higher than at Shepherd University (1010).
• Incoming Shepherd 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; Shepherd University 878/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 17/23; Shepherd University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sonoma State University - Test-free; Shepherd University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Shepherd University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Sonoma State University (3.4).
• Shepherd University has a higher acceptance rate (96.8%) than Sonoma State University (93.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Sonoma State University vs. 31.7% at Shepherd University.

Sonoma State University vs. Shepherd University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sonoma State University and Shepherd 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 Shepherd University's (46%).
• Graduates from Sonoma State University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Shepherd University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $4,723 lower median loan debt than Shepherd University graduates ($17,500 vs. $22,223).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shepherd University graduates ($180 vs. $229).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shepherd University 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.