Academic Comparison between Fresno State and Sonoma State

California State University-San Marcos and Sonoma State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in California

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Sonoma State has more expensive tuition & fees ($21,224) than Fresno State ($20,682).
  • It is harder to admit to Sonoma State than Fresno State.
  • Fresno State has more students with 16,237 students while Sonoma State has 5,891 students.
  • Sonoma State has a lower number of students per faculty with 17 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • Fresno State has more full-time faculties with 416 faculties while Sonoma State has 227 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.Sonoma State University
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationRohnert Park, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,624
Out-Of-State$21,224
63%% Receiving Financial Aid67%
$11,025Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,379
95.10 %Acceptance Rates93.43 %
13.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)8.31 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
55 %Graduation Rate58 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate7 %
79 %Retention Rate79 %
16,237Student Population5,891
416Number of Faculties227
24 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio17 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare