About Sonoma State University

Founded in 1960, Sonoma State University. is a Public college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 8,631 full time undergraduate students, and 692 full time graduate students.

The Sonoma State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 24:1. There are 258 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Sonoma State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate76%
Application Deadline
Application Fee55
SAT Range880-1080
ACT Range19-24

Admissions at SSU are considered Less Selective, with ,30% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 11 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Sonoma State University.

Sonoma State University REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    115 Students rated on-campus housing 4.1 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    103 Students rated off-campus housing 3.4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    123 Students rated campus food 3.3 stars. 10 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    130 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 43 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    128 Students rated class size 4.3 stars. 46 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    130 Students rated school activities 3.7 stars. 23 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    130 Students rated local services 3.9 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    130 Students rated academics 3.9 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Sonoma State University?

53 Students rated Sonoma State University

Heather - 07/02/2021

They have a fantastic studying environment, both outside and inside. I could always find a spot to plug my computer in and work on projects, often with a drink form one of their cafes. The professors that I worked with were very engaging and encouraged students to pursue projects and goals outside of the classroom.

Briana

I truly love my school. The first two years on campus were difficult for me to adapt to all of my surroundings, but now that I am finishing my third year, I have found and created for myself so many safe spaces on campus. The biggest downfall for me is the fact that the diversity on this campus is excruciatingly low. Sonoma State is the whitest CSU, but there are communities on campus that are striving to fix this and get become more of an inclusive campus. Nevertheless, I will forever feel blessed that I chose to attend Sonoma State and would not be the woman I am today without being here at this university.

Kasey

The campus is absolutely beautiful. There are a huge variety of clubs and activities to partake in on campus, you just have to be actively involved to have a good experience. There are plenty of shops and towns to explore nearby. One perk if you are 21 years of age is the beautiful wine country nearby. There are also many activities within driving distance, such as Bodega Bay or San Fransisco. The campus is fairly small but not too small, to the point where you usually recognize at least one face while walking to class. I've had my fair share of great and not-so-great professors. The biggest complaint would have to be the lack of classes available when you register. I personally haven't had a problem getting my classes but I've had many friends who haven't gotten the class schedules they wanted or needed. I'm going into my fourth year here at Sonoma State University, and I would definitely recommend this college to others.

Diana

The atmosphere on campus is also lively, and the community is small and close. It's hard to walk around campus and not see someone you know, which for me isn't such a bad thing. I don't feel like I'm drowning in a mass of unknown students. The school offers a variety of activities to do on and off campus and endeavors to make all students feel welcome. The dorms are fantastic, large and well furnished (furniture and appliances). Campus is on the small-medium size but beautiful, especially during fall. The buildings on campus are all within a good range of each other and have good facilities. There isn't that much on campus food options as other larger universities but it's spread out. The food itself is mostly great. It's hard to do things off campus--like grocery shopping--if you don't have a car, know someone who has a car, or accommodate yourself with the public transportation. We're surrounded by stuff to do even if the campus isn't inside a large city. Overall, I'm pleased with going here and all my experiences so far.

Sonoma State University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Sonoma State University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Sonoma State University is 76%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    You aren't going to stick with an English major. Try for scholarships to calarts or academy of the arts.

    Read all  112 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    Eager to learn, most of them are busy with academics, sports, clubs, work and/ or greek life.

    Read all  31 answers
  4. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    It is too liberal for me. The school is very focused on growing into a bigger school. It is build a ton of new dorms to get more students living on campus. It is a great small school and the school wants to grow from 8,500 to more than 12,000 students over the next few years. It is not too bad but it would be nice to have a small school still.

    Read all  30 answers
  5. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    It is very small, not very diverse, suburbian, professors and staff are very helpful, not a lot of things to do off campus, bad transpertation system, housing is really nice but very expensive, classes are usually 25-30 students. not very many sports teams.

    Read all  29 answers
  6. What's unique about your campus?

    The environment is awesome with redwood trees all around and fresh air. The campus is small enough that you get to know people well.

    Read all  22 answers
  7. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    When I imagined what college would be like, I imagined huge buildings, enormous lecture classes, a large campus with crowds of people bustling around, loud music, parties, and kids flying by on skateboards late to class. Sonoma is everything BUT that picture. Except for the skateboards. Sonoma is a small, quiet school that's actually very environmentally conscious. We are one of the "greenest" campuses around. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that? Also, our dorms HAVE to be the best dorms in the country. Honest. They're like apartments, come see for yourself :)

    Read all  18 answers
  8. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish that I had known that there wasn't much diversity in our school because it seems like there are only High class Americans that come to this school. I am Latina and was expecting more Latinos. I come from a small town where there aren't much Latinos either and that is why I wanted to be part of a community where I could see more Latinos like me, so that I can help out the Latino Community in making them succeed.

    Read all  17 answers
  9. What kind of person should attend this school?

    A person who loves to be near a lake while doing homework, or sipping on a latte in the rose garden right before heading to there next class would adore the Sonoma State campus. Not only are the instructors supurb, but the campus is breath takingly beautiful.

    Read all  17 answers
  10. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Someone who is looking for a small school with small classes. Someone who would like an intimate environment and enjoys being a homebody, preferring to hang out with friends at a dorm and watch a movie rather than have a raging party.

    Read all  15 answers
  11. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    getting the classes you need for your major new 16-unit cap

    Read all  14 answers
  12. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    nursing and business programs.

    Read all  12 answers
  13. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    its great

    Read all  7 answers
  14. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    Sonoma State University has the finest living style in all of California; it offers less expensive dorms that includes a living room and a bathroom. The campus is beautiful encompasing many different types of trees, a large garden and even a lake. The students are very laid-back and they create a supportive community. The professors create personal connections with their students and truly want all the students to do well and achieve the best that they can achieve. We have an environmentally advanced recreational center and a brand new music building.

    Read all  7 answers
  15. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    I strongly believe that we have a very diverse group of people here at Sonoma State University. For that reason there are no well known stereotypes about students at SSU.

    Read all  6 answers
  16. What are the academics like at your school?

    Courses at Sonoma State are challenging yet not impossible. Sonoma state offers real supportive staff focused on making sure you graduate and develop as a person to help you acheive your academic potential.

    Read all  5 answers
  17. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    There is so much to do in Sonoma County its imposible to name them all. If you can think it, its either near or on Sonoma States campus.

    Read all  4 answers
  18. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Hell no! I can find on any night (between Thurs-Sat) some party or "gathering" to go to and have a blast at. It's all about networking!

    Read all  1 answers
  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    SSU kids don't know how to party. Thing is, people aren't looking in the right places or hanging out with the right crowd to find a worthy party of your Thursday-Saturday nightlife.

    Read all  1 answers

Student Body

Students

63%

female

37%

male

8,631

Total Undergrad Enrollment

692

Total Grad Students

1%

Out-Of-State

99%

In-State

N/A

International

Organizations

109

Student Organizations

8

Fraternities

10

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

36%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
5%
% Black or African-American
2%
% Hispanic/Latino
31%
% White or Caucasian
46%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

72% of students attending Sonoma State University receive some sort of financial aid. 35% were awarded federal grants. While 46% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$18,548

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,790

Books and Supplies

$13,146

Room and Board

33,484

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$11,196
$30 - $48K
$13,010
$48 - $75K
$16,849
$75 - $110K
$21,644
$110K & UP
$23,421

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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