Skip to content

University of San Diego vs Sonoma State University

University of San Diego is a private university in San Diego, CA, and Sonoma State University is a public university in Rohnert Park, CA. University of San Diego is the more selective of the two, admitting about 52% 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 $30,365 at University of San Diego. About 83% of students graduate at University of San Diego, compared with 59% at Sonoma State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of San Diego alumni earn a median of about $86,522, against $65,986 for Sonoma State University.

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA · Private

Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
San Diego, CA
Rohnert Park, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,671
5,166
Acceptance rate
52%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.15–3.65
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1370
950–1150
ACT (middle 50%)
26–31
17–23
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,365
$12,885
Full cost / yr
$78,720
$24,648
In-state tuition
$59,486
$8,624
Out-of-state tuition
$59,486
$21,224
Application fee
$55
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,586
$8,310
$30k - $48k
$17,441
$9,795
$48k - $75k
$19,557
$10,741
$75k - $110k
$27,012
$13,897
Over $110k
$46,989
$21,195
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
59%
Freshman retention
91%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,995
$52,179
Median earnings (10 yr)
$86,522
$65,986
Median debt at graduation
$22,940
$16,705
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
36%
First-generation students
25%
41%
International students
6%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 University of San Diego or Sonoma State University harder to get into?
University of San Diego is harder to get into. It admits about 52% 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, University of San Diego or Sonoma State University?
Sonoma State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,885 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,365 at University of San Diego. 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 University of San Diego and Sonoma State University?
Before aid, Sonoma State University costs about $24,648 a year and University of San Diego about $78,720. 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, University of San Diego or Sonoma State University?
Sonoma State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,310 there, against about $15,586 at University of San Diego. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of San Diego or Sonoma State University?
University of San Diego is the larger of the two, with about 5,671 undergraduates against 5,166 at Sonoma State University.
Does University of San Diego or Sonoma State University have a better graduation rate?
University of San Diego has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 59% at Sonoma State University.
Do graduates of University of San Diego or Sonoma State University earn more?
University of San Diego alumni earn more on average: a median of about $86,522 ten years after enrolling, against about $65,986 for Sonoma State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of San Diego and Sonoma State University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of San Diego 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 University of San Diego and Sonoma State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1370 at University of San Diego and 950–1150 at Sonoma State 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