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California State University-Bakersfield vs Sonoma State University

California State University-Bakersfield is a public university in Bakersfield, CA, and Sonoma State University is a public university in Rohnert Park, CA. Sonoma State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 93% of applicants against 94% at California State University-Bakersfield. California State University-Bakersfield is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $5,652 a year against $12,885 at Sonoma State University. About 59% of students graduate at Sonoma State University, compared with 50% at California State University-Bakersfield. Ten years after enrolling, Sonoma State University alumni earn a median of about $65,986, against $59,009 for California State University-Bakersfield.

California State University-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA · Public

Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Bakersfield, CA
Rohnert Park, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
8,577
5,166
Acceptance rate
94%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.15–3.65
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
950–1150
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
17–23
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$5,652
$12,885
Full cost / yr
$19,522
$24,648
In-state tuition
$8,090
$8,624
Out-of-state tuition
$20,690
$21,224
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$3,536
$8,310
$30k - $48k
$3,817
$9,795
$48k - $75k
$5,835
$10,741
$75k - $110k
$9,480
$13,897
Over $110k
$16,069
$21,195
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
59%
Freshman retention
79%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,282
$52,179
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,009
$65,986
Median debt at graduation
$16,600
$16,705
Student body
Pell grant recipients
61%
36%
First-generation students
58%
41%
International students
1%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
Dec 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is California State University-Bakersfield or Sonoma State University harder to get into?
Sonoma State University is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 94% at California State University-Bakersfield. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, California State University-Bakersfield or Sonoma State University?
California State University-Bakersfield is cheaper on average. Students pay about $5,652 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $12,885 at Sonoma State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at California State University-Bakersfield and Sonoma State University?
Before aid, California State University-Bakersfield costs about $19,522 a year and Sonoma State University about $24,648. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, California State University-Bakersfield or Sonoma State University?
California State University-Bakersfield. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,536 there, against about $8,310 at Sonoma State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, California State University-Bakersfield or Sonoma State University?
California State University-Bakersfield is the larger of the two, with about 8,577 undergraduates against 5,166 at Sonoma State University.
Does California State University-Bakersfield or Sonoma State University have a better graduation rate?
Sonoma State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 59% against 50% at California State University-Bakersfield.
Do graduates of California State University-Bakersfield or Sonoma State University earn more?
Sonoma State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,986 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,009 for California State University-Bakersfield. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California State University-Bakersfield and Sonoma State University require SAT or ACT scores?
California State University-Bakersfield is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Sonoma State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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