Academic Comparison between Sonoma State and Fresno State

Sonoma State University and California State University-San Marcos 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

Sonoma State Universityvs.California State University-San Marcos
Rohnert Park, CaliforniaLocationSan Marcos, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$8,624
Out-Of-State$21,224
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682
67%% Receiving Financial Aid63%
$10,379Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,025
93.43 %Acceptance Rates95.10 %
8.31 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.99 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
58 %Graduation Rate55 %
7 %Transfer-out Rate4 %
79 %Retention Rate79 %
5,891Student Population16,237
227Number of Faculties416
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio24 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, 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