Sonoma State University (SSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Sonoma State University
Set in Sonoma County's rolling hills, Sonoma State University blends a relaxed North Bay vibe with focused academics. It's known for strong teaching across the arts and humanities, sciences, social sciences, business, and education. Classes feel personal, backed by a library, student center, labs, and advising and wellness care. A campus concert hall fuels the arts, while green quads and village-style housing keep things close-knit.
Student days run from intramurals and outdoor trips to service projects and late shows. And when it's time to plan ahead, students find internships with schools, nonprofits, creative firms, tech, and the local food and wine scene. The culture leans friendly, down-to-earth, and sustainability minded. Point of pride: a lively performance scene and alumni like NFL lineman Larry Allen.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Sonoma State University (SSU) offers 50 degree programs across 25 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,906 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (1 programs, 366 graduates), Psychology (1 programs, 238 graduates), Social Sciences (5 programs, 168 graduates), Education (4 programs, 137 graduates) and Liberal Arts (1 programs, 105 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (1 programs, 366 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 366 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
Psychology (1 programs, 238 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 238 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
Social Sciences (5 programs, 168 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 72 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1101 |
| Geography | 28 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0701 |
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0603 |
| Political Science and Government | 25 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.1001 |
| Anthropology | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
45.0201 |
Education (4 programs, 137 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General | 82 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.9999 |
| School Counseling and Guidance | 29 |
|
Master's
|
13.1101 |
| General Education | 22 |
|
Master's
|
13.0101 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 4 |
|
Master's
|
13.0401 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 105 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 105 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0101 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 105 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 93 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
26.0101 |
| Biochemistry | 12 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0202 |
Kinesiology (1 programs, 97 graduates)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education | 97 |
|
Bachelor's
|
31.0501 |
Health (1 programs, 94 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 94 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.3801 |
English (1 programs, 69 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | 69 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
23.0101 |
Communication (1 programs, 68 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 68 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Sonoma State University (SSU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Sonoma State University (SSU)
How much does it cost to attend Sonoma State University (SSU)?
The annual tuition at Sonoma State University (SSU) is $8,190 for in-state students and $20,070 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $27,274 for in-state students and $39,154 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $15,770 (on) / $19,430 (off) and books and supplies $822.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Sonoma State University offer?
Sonoma State University (SSU) offers 50 academic programs across 25 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Post-Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (1 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (5 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (4 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Sonoma State University?
Sonoma State University (SSU) has an 94.7% acceptance rate and a 9.1% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 10,529
- Students admitted: 9,974
- Students enrolled: 911
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Sonoma State University?
Sonoma State University (SSU) provides financial aid to 16% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $8,546 and average loans of $6,255.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,271
- State/Local grants: $3,624
- Institutional grants: $4,184
- Federal loans: $4,852
The university supports 784 students with grants and 282 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Sonoma State University graduates?
Sonoma State University (SSU) graduates earn a median salary of $52,179 after 6 years and $65,986 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $42,120 (25th percentile) to $91,892 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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