Sonoma State University vs. Fort Hays State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA with Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fort Hays State University is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (12,878 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sonoma State University is located in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting); Fort Hays State University is in Hays, KS (Remote Town setting).
• Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fort Hays State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sonoma State University 17:1; Fort Hays State University 15:1.

Sonoma State University vs. Fort Hays State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sonoma State University or Fort Hays 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 Fort Hays State University than Sonoma State University ($13,186 vs. $14,614).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fort Hays State University are 45.7% lower than at Sonoma State University ($9,120 vs. $16,802).
• Sonoma State University is 45.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fort Hays State University (about $2,701 more per year; $8,624.00 vs. $5,923.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.6% higher at Sonoma State University than at Fort Hays State University (about $3,483 more per year; $21,224.00 vs. $17,741.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fort Hays State University than at Sonoma State University (92% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sonoma State University students is 34.7% larger than aid received by Fort Hays State University students ($9,094 vs. $6,751).

Sonoma State University vs. Fort Hays State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Sonoma State University or Fort Hays 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 Fort Hays State University and Sonoma State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fort Hays State University (1060) is 10 points higher than at Sonoma State University (1050).
• Incoming Fort Hays 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; Fort Hays State University 970/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 17/23; Fort Hays State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sonoma State University - Test-free; Fort Hays State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Fort Hays State University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Sonoma State University (3.4).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than Fort Hays State University (90.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Sonoma State University vs. 41.8% at Fort Hays State University.

Sonoma State University vs. Fort Hays State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sonoma State University and Fort Hays 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 Fort Hays State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Sonoma State University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Fort Hays State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $41,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $3,218 lower median loan debt than Fort Hays State University graduates ($17,500 vs. $20,718).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fort Hays State University graduates ($180 vs. $214).
• More Sonoma State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fort Hays State University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 60%)

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.