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 Reviews

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

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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.

Sonoma State University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Sonoma State University?

49 Students rated Sonoma State University

Zachary - 07/14/2024

I attended Sonoma State University (SSU) from 2015-2020 and wanted to share my experience with hopes to provide information to prospective students who are considering SSU as their college choice. I have broken down my review into 4 major categories that stood out to me which include; campus life, academics, support services, and safety. I was a shy kid growing up and had a lot of anxiety about leaving home and integrating myself with strangers in a new town away from home. SSU helped ease my anxiety even before the first day of classes. SSU provided an orientation weekend that gave incoming students the opportunity to stay on campus for a couple days, meet other incoming students, get a walkthrough on how to register for classes, and get an overall feeling for what a typical day looked like on campus. I was grateful for this experience because once my move in day came, I had an idea of what SSU was like and the people I would be sharing this experience with. In addition to orientation weekend, SSU held an event called “Big Night” which was a large welcoming carnival to all incoming students which helped me get out of the dorm and participate in activities with my new roommates. Big Night helped me meet new incoming students and jumpstart the relationships with my new roommates, which we still have continued today. The academics were a strength for SSU, with the class sizes for my lectures having a 100 student maximum, which allowed for a strong student-professor relationship. Outside of the lecture classes, the majority of my classes ranged from 10-35 people depending on the subject. Almost all of my professors were open and available outside of class via email or office hours and were more than happy to help in any way they could. There was a wide range of academic programs to choose from, allowing myself the ability to pick and choose my academic path. I did not know what I wanted to major in, so I began as an undeclared student which gave me a couple years to complete my general education requirements without choosing a major prematurely. I was able to complete my general education courses on the same timeline as everyone else while going to the many different academic workshops provided to help me better understand my options. The quality of education provided by the professors and large options of majors at SSU allowed me to enjoy learning and excel in the classroom. Campus support can make a huge impact on someones college experience and SSU provided many different support systems to students. During my first semester, I needed to use the health center for an ear issue and I was able to see a doctor and resolve my issue. I additionally used the academic counseling services where I received help planning out my classes for each semester and set up a timeline. They were able to help me plan out my courses for each semester which ensured I was not taking classes I did not need to, as well as creating a timeline for graduation. Lastly, campus safety was a sector that SSU made sure was the highest of quality and an area of importance to the univeristy. The SSU police station was independent to SSU and the students, allowing for quick response times and arrivals to the site which they were needed. The station was situated in the middle of campus along with emergency call boxes scattered throughout the entire campus which provided students and staff a 24/7 hotline to campus police in case of an emergency. Having a full time police station on campus made me feel safe when walking to and from classes and walking around campus after dark. I have hopes that my review and breakdown of my experience at Sonoma State University can provide some insight to any prospective students who are wanting an inside opinion on what another student’s experience was like attending this school. I truly felt like I was cared about from the administration was set up for success through the quality of academics and student support. Constant improvement felt like a principle to the university which allows me to feel that student experiences will continue to grow positive as time moves on. Overall rating is 4.5/5.

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.

Rosalie - 03/24/2020

I believe Sonoma State University is like the college version of a showroom in IKEA. Everything is organized and keeps within the aesthetic, and visitors have delight in seeing the beauty and history of the college. Sonoma State has many job opportunities on campus, which is also a great thing for students who need assistance with finance.

Yessenia - 03/07/2020

Sonoma State University has a great variety of undergraduate and graduate-level programs. The student to professor ratio is low, which is amazing because it allows for students to connect with their peers and professors. Having had the privilege to attend this institution, I came across so many amazing student resources and programs. There just needs to be more diversity on campus but they have improved over the past few years.

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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