Sonoma State University vs. Black Hills State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA with Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Sonoma State University is larger than Black Hills State University based on total student enrollment (5,891 students vs. 3,346 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sonoma State University is located in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting); Black Hills State University is in Spearfish, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Black Hills State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sonoma State University 17:1; Black Hills State University 17:1.

Sonoma State University vs. Black Hills State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sonoma State University or Black Hills State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Sonoma State University than Black Hills State University ($14,614 vs. $15,576).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Black Hills State University are 27.6% lower than at Sonoma State University ($12,160 vs. $16,802).
• Black Hills State University is 1.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $140 more per year; $8,764.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.9% higher at Sonoma State University than at Black Hills State University (about $9,358 more per year; $21,224.00 vs. $11,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sonoma State University than at Black Hills State University (83% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sonoma State University students is 49.8% larger than aid received by Black Hills State University students ($9,094 vs. $6,070).

Sonoma State University vs. Black Hills State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Sonoma State University or Black Hills State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Black Hills State University and Sonoma State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sonoma State University (1050) is the same as at Black Hills State University (1050).
• Incoming Black Hills State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Sonoma State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 950/1150; Black Hills State University 965/1135.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 17/23; Black Hills State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sonoma State University - Test-free; Black Hills State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Sonoma State University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Black Hills State University (3.22).
• Black Hills State University has a higher acceptance rate (96.3%) than Sonoma State University (93.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Sonoma State University vs. 30.1% at Black Hills State University.

Sonoma State University vs. Black Hills State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sonoma State University and Black Hills State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Sonoma State University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Black Hills State University's (28%).
• Graduates from Sonoma State University earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than Black Hills State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $38,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $7,978 lower median loan debt than Black Hills State University graduates ($17,500 vs. $25,478).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Black Hills State University graduates ($180 vs. $263).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Black Hills State University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 62%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.