Academic Comparison between Sonoma State and California Northstate

Sonoma State University and California Northstate University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Sonoma State is a four-year, public school located in Rohnert Park, CA and California Northstate is a four-year, private (for-profit) school located in Elk Grove, CA.

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.

  • Sonoma State is a public and California Northstate is a private (for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • California Northstate has more expensive tuition & fees ($61,600) than Sonoma State ($21,224).
  • It is harder to admit to California Northstate than Sonoma State.
  • Sonoma State has more students with 5,891 students while California Northstate has 981 students.
  • California Northstate has a lower number of students per faculty with 3 to 1 while Sonoma State's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Sonoma State has more full-time faculties with 227 faculties while California Northstate has 106 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Sonoma State California Northstate
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Sonoma State Universityvs.California Northstate University
Rohnert Park, CaliforniaLocationElk Grove, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie Classification
In-State$8,624
Out-Of-State$21,224
2025 Tuition & Fees$61,600
67%% Receiving Financial Aid34%
$10,379Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,487
93.43 %Acceptance Rates92.47 %
8.31 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)5.81 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
58 %Graduation Rate100 %
7 %Transfer-out Rate-
79 %Retention Rate86 %
5,891Student Population981
227Number of Faculties106
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio3 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesWeekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Placement services