Overview of Sonoma State University

Sonoma State University’s 269-acre campus is situated 50 miles north of San Francisco, CA. The institution offers 45 bachelor’s degree programs and 16 master’s programs. A robust student/faculty ratio supports students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations. In athletics, the Sonoma State Seawolves play in the NCAA Division II California Collegiate Athletic Association. Sonoma State is one of the 23 Cal State schools.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 9,201 (8,565 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 39 percent male/61 percent female
• 91 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $7,880 (in-state); $19,760 (out-of-state)
• Books: $1,916
• Room and Board: $15,210
• Other Expenses: $2,952
• Total Cost: $27,958 (in-state); $39,838 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 72 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 62 percent
  • Loans: 44 percent
• Mean Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $7,905
  • Loans: $6,055

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Business Administration, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice Studies, English, Environmental Studies, Health and Physical Education, History, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Psychology, Sociology

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 81 percent
• Transfer Out Rate: 5 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 30 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 63 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Golf, Soccer, Tennis
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo

Overview of Sonoma State University Admissions

With an acceptance rate of 90 percent, the school is largely accessible. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. This institution has a robust admissions process that involves a multitude of academic measures. Applicants must complete an online application. A persuasive essay and glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the admissions offices mean range. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices. Students should make a campus visit to determine if the institution is a good fit for them.

Admissions Data                        

• Sonoma State University Acceptance Rate: 90 percent
• Test Scores: 25th/75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 490/590
  • SAT Math: 490/580​
  • ACT Cumulative: 18/23
  • ACT English: 18/24
  • ACT Math: 17/23

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for Sonoma State University, it should be easy to gain admissions to the schools below. If Sonoma State University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

University of Texas at El Paso, California State University Sacramento, California State University Northridge, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, California State University East Bay, Kean University, California State University Los Angeles

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for Sonoma State University, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Old Dominion University, Texas State University, Georgia State University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of California, Merced, Liberty University

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than Sonoma State University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.

University of Alabama, Quinnipiac University, Ohio University, University of North Texas, California State University Long Beach, Pace University, Florida Gulf Coast University

Applying to Sonoma State University

Application Deadline: November 30

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

http://admissions.sonoma.edu/

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://www2.calstate.edu/apply

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://admissions.sonoma.edu/how-apply/requirements/graduates

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://admissions.sonoma.edu/how-apply/requirements/graduates/application-process