Sonoma State University vs. RU

Comparable Facts

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

Radford University is larger than Sonoma State University based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 5,891 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sonoma State University is located in Rohnert Park, CA (Large Suburban setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Sonoma State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sonoma State University 17:1; Radford University 14:1.

Sonoma State University vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sonoma State University or RU? 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 RU ($14,614 vs. $16,749).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Radford University are 25.6% lower than at Sonoma State University ($12,504 vs. $16,802).
• Radford University is 45.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sonoma State University (about $3,924 more per year; $12,548.00 vs. $8,624.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.8% higher at RU than at Sonoma State University (about $4,409 more per year; $25,633.00 vs. $21,224.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Radford University than at Sonoma State University (94% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Radford University students is 30.5% larger than aid received by Sonoma State University students ($11,870 vs. $9,094).

Sonoma State University vs. RU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Sonoma State University (1050) is the same as at RU (1050).
• Incoming RU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Sonoma State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 950/1150; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Sonoma State University 17/23; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sonoma State University - Test-free; RU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Sonoma State University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at RU (3.31).
• Sonoma State University has a higher acceptance rate (93.4%) than RU (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Sonoma State University vs. 14.4% at RU.

Sonoma State University vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sonoma State University and RU? 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 Radford University's (56%).
• Graduates from Sonoma State University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than RU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,300 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than RU graduates ($17,500 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Sonoma State University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RU graduates ($180 vs. $237).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Sonoma State University students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 69%)

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.