California State University-Northridge vs Sonoma State University
California State University-Northridge is a public university in Northridge, CA, and Sonoma State University is a public university in Rohnert Park, CA. Both admit about 93% of applicants. California State University-Northridge is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $7,021 a year against $12,885 at Sonoma State University. About 59% of students graduate at Sonoma State University, compared with 57% at California State University-Northridge. Ten years after enrolling, Sonoma State University alumni earn a median of about $65,986, against $59,115 for California State University-Northridge.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Northridge, CA
Rohnert Park, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
32,691
5,166
Acceptance rate
93%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
~3.33 avg
3.15–3.65
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1110
950–1150
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
17–23
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$7,021
$12,885
Full cost / yr
$20,485
$24,648
In-state tuition
$7,458
$8,624
Out-of-state tuition
$20,058
$21,224
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,905
$8,310
$30k - $48k
$5,450
$9,795
$48k - $75k
$7,744
$10,741
$75k - $110k
$11,262
$13,897
Over $110k
$18,040
$21,195
Outcomes
Graduation rate
57%
59%
Freshman retention
73%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,372
$52,179
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,115
$65,986
Median debt at graduation
$13,872
$16,705
Student body
Pell grant recipients
56%
36%
First-generation students
54%
41%
International students
3%
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.
- Is California State University-Northridge or Sonoma State University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 93% of applicants. 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-Northridge or Sonoma State University?
- California State University-Northridge is cheaper on average. Students pay about $7,021 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-Northridge and Sonoma State University?
- Before aid, California State University-Northridge costs about $20,485 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-Northridge or Sonoma State University?
- California State University-Northridge. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,905 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-Northridge or Sonoma State University?
- California State University-Northridge is the larger of the two, with about 32,691 undergraduates against 5,166 at Sonoma State University.
- Does California State University-Northridge or Sonoma State University have a better graduation rate?
- Sonoma State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 59% against 57% at California State University-Northridge.
- Do graduates of California State University-Northridge 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 $59,115 for California State University-Northridge. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do California State University-Northridge and Sonoma State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- California State University-Northridge 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.
- What SAT scores do California State University-Northridge and Sonoma State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1110 at California State University-Northridge and 950–1150 at Sonoma State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
California State University-Northridge vs University of California-Los AngelesCalifornia State University-Northridge vs University of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia State University-Northridge vs University of California-BerkeleySonoma State University vs Stanford UniversitySonoma State University vs Loyola Marymount UniversitySonoma State University vs Santa Clara University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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