Academic Comparison between Sonoma State and Westcliff

Sonoma State University and Westcliff 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 Westcliff is a four-year, private (for-profit) school located in Irvine, 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 Westcliff is a private (for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Sonoma State has more expensive tuition & fees ($21,224) than Westcliff ($17,670).
  • It is harder to admit to Westcliff than Sonoma State.
  • Westcliff has more students with 7,686 students while Sonoma State has 5,891 students.
  • Westcliff has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Sonoma State's ratio is 17 to 1.
  • Sonoma State has more full-time faculties with 227 faculties while Westcliff has 37 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Sonoma State Universityvs.Westcliff University
Rohnert Park, CaliforniaLocationIrvine, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationSchool of business and management
In-State$8,624
Out-Of-State$21,224
2025 Tuition & Fees$17,670
67%% Receiving Financial Aid17%
$10,379Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,916
93.43 %Acceptance Rates73.15 %
8.31 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.93 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
58 %Graduation Rate62 %
7 %Transfer-out Rate3 %
79 %Retention Rate72 %
5,891Student Population7,686
227Number of Faculties37
17 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Weekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services