Sonoma State University vs. Colorado Mesa

Comparable Facts

Compare Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA with Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Colorado Mesa University is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (9,785 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sonoma State University is located in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting); Colorado Mesa University is in Grand Junction, CO (Small City setting).
• Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Colorado Mesa University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sonoma State University 17:1; Colorado Mesa University 18:1.

Sonoma State University vs. Colorado Mesa Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sonoma State University or Colorado Mesa? 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 Colorado Mesa ($14,614 vs. $15,590).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colorado Mesa University are 27.3% lower than at Sonoma State University ($12,209 vs. $16,802).
• Colorado Mesa University is 15.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $1,303 more per year; $9,927.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.4% higher at Colorado Mesa than at Sonoma State University (about $3,900 more per year; $25,124.00 vs. $21,224.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Colorado Mesa University than at Sonoma State University (84% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sonoma State University students is 9.8% larger than aid received by Colorado Mesa University students ($9,094 vs. $8,285).

Sonoma State University vs. Colorado Mesa Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Sonoma State University or Colorado Mesa? 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 Colorado Mesa and Sonoma State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sonoma State University (1050) is the same as at Colorado Mesa (1050).
• Incoming Colorado Mesa 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; Colorado Mesa University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 17/23; Colorado Mesa University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sonoma State University - Test-free; Colorado Mesa - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Sonoma State University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Colorado Mesa (3.28).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than Colorado Mesa (82%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Sonoma State University vs. 23.1% at Colorado Mesa.

Sonoma State University vs. Colorado Mesa Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sonoma State University and Colorado Mesa? 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 Colorado Mesa University's (25%).
• Graduates from Sonoma State University earn a median of about $9,300 more per year than Colorado Mesa graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Colorado Mesa graduates ($17,500 vs. $21,750).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Colorado Mesa graduates ($180 vs. $224).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colorado Mesa students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 48%)

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.