Skip to content

Sonoma State University vs Stanford University

Sonoma State University is a public university in Rohnert Park, CA, and Stanford University is a private university in Stanford, CA. Stanford University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 93% at Sonoma State University. Sonoma State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,885 a year against $13,807 at Stanford University. About 92% of students graduate at Stanford University, compared with 59% at Sonoma State University. Ten years after enrolling, Stanford University alumni earn a median of about $124,080, against $65,986 for Sonoma State University.

Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA · Public

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Rohnert Park, CA
Stanford, CA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,166
7,554
Acceptance rate
93%
4%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.15–3.65
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
950–1150
1510–1580
ACT (middle 50%)
17–23
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,885
$13,807
Full cost / yr
$24,648
$87,833
In-state tuition
$8,624
$65,910
Out-of-state tuition
$21,224
$65,910
Application fee
$70
$90
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$8,310
$0*
$30k - $48k
$9,795
$0*
$48k - $75k
$10,741
$3,212
$75k - $110k
$13,897
$11,092
Over $110k
$21,195
$53,882
Outcomes
Graduation rate
59%
92%
Freshman retention
79%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,179
$102,887
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,986
$124,080
Median debt at graduation
$16,705
$12,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
36%
19%
First-generation students
41%
30%
International students
0%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Dec 1
Jan 5

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

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 Sonoma State University or Stanford University harder to get into?
Stanford University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 93% 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.
Which is cheaper, Sonoma State University or Stanford University?
Sonoma State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,885 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,807 at Stanford 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 Sonoma State University and Stanford University?
Before aid, Sonoma State University costs about $24,648 a year and Stanford University about $87,833. 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, Sonoma State University or Stanford University?
Stanford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,536 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, Sonoma State University or Stanford University?
Stanford University is the larger of the two, with about 7,554 undergraduates against 5,166 at Sonoma State University.
Does Sonoma State University or Stanford University have a better graduation rate?
Stanford University has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 59% at Sonoma State University.
Do graduates of Sonoma State University or Stanford University earn more?
Stanford University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $124,080 ten years after enrolling, against about $65,986 for Sonoma State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Sonoma State University and Stanford University require SAT or ACT scores?
Sonoma State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Stanford University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Sonoma State University and Stanford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 950–1150 at Sonoma State University and 1510–1580 at Stanford University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school