Sonoma State University vs. Southern Illinois University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sonoma State University is located in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting); Southern Illinois University Carbondale is in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sonoma State University 17:1; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1.

Sonoma State University vs. Southern Illinois University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sonoma State University or Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than Sonoma State University ($13,473 vs. $14,614).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are 26.6% lower than at Sonoma State University ($12,341 vs. $16,802).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 54.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $4,710 more per year; $13,334.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.2% higher at Sonoma State University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $7,890 more per year; $21,224.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Illinois University Carbondale than at Sonoma State University (95% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students is 49.7% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($13,610 vs. $9,094).

Sonoma State University vs. Southern Illinois University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sonoma State University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Southern Illinois 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; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 17/23; Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sonoma State University - Test-free; Southern Illinois University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Sonoma State University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Sonoma State University vs. 18.6% at Southern Illinois University.

Sonoma State University vs. Southern Illinois University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sonoma State University and Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Sonoma State University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Southern Illinois University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Southern Illinois University graduates ($17,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Illinois University graduates ($180 vs. $232).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 51%)

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.