USF vs. Sonoma State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of San Francisco is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (8,913 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of San Francisco is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); Sonoma State University is in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• University of San Francisco is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of San Francisco 11:1; Sonoma State University 17:1.

USF vs. Sonoma State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USF or Sonoma 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 USF ($14,614 vs. $45,443).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sonoma State University are 15% lower than at University of San Francisco ($16,802 vs. $19,764).
• University of San Francisco is 601.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $51,868 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 185% higher at USF than at Sonoma State University (about $39,268 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $21,224.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of San Francisco than at Sonoma State University (95% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of San Francisco students is 281.8% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($34,723 vs. $9,094).

USF vs. Sonoma State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of San Francisco (1290) is 240 points higher than at Sonoma State University (1050).
• Incoming USF students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 20 at Sonoma State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 1190/1390; Sonoma State University 950/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 25/30; Sonoma State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USF - Test optional; Sonoma State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: USF Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman USF students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Sonoma State University (3.4).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than USF (61.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6% at USF vs. 8.3% at Sonoma State University.

USF vs. Sonoma State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USF and Sonoma 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).

• University of San Francisco's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Sonoma State University's (57%).
• Graduates from University of San Francisco earn a median of about $21,100 more per year than Sonoma State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,400 vs. $49,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than USF graduates ($17,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USF graduates ($180 vs. $258).
• More USF graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Sonoma State University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 69%)

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.