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
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Sonoma State University (SSU) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in California. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Business (3)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201
Business Administration and Management, General.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-1011 | Chief Executives | $262,930 | $163,970 | -$98,960 (-37.6%) |
11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | $133,120 | $120,130 | -$12,990 (-9.8%) |
11-2022 | Sales Managers | $160,930 | $107,350 | -$53,580 (-33.3%) |
11-3012 | Administrative Services Managers | $126,030 | $99,420 | -$26,610 (-21.1%) |
11-3013 | Facilities Managers | $114,520 | $99,000 | -$15,520 (-13.6%) |
11-3051 | Industrial Production Managers | $129,180 | $123,920 | -$5,260 (-4.1%) |
11-3071 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $116,010 | $113,770 | -$2,240 (-1.9%) |
11-3111 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | $156,230 | $241,990 | +$85,760 (+54.9%) |
11-3121 | Human Resources Managers | $160,480 | $131,800 | -$28,680 (-17.9%) |
11-3131 | Training and Development Managers | $140,590 | $152,670 | +$12,080 (+8.6%) |
11-9021 | Construction Managers | $119,660 | $123,050 | +$3,390 (+2.8%) |
11-9072 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | $87,060 | $95,420 | +$8,360 (+9.6%) |
11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managers | $86,100 | $84,080 | -$2,020 (-2.3%) |
11-9179 | Personal Service Managers, All Other | $70,620 | $76,380 | +$5,760 (+8.2%) |
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $120,240 | -$29,650 (-19.8%) |
13-1051 | Cost Estimators | $83,160 | $87,950 | +$4,790 (+5.8%) |
13-1071 | Human Resources Specialists | $79,730 | $77,800 | -$1,930 (-2.4%) |
13-1081 | Logisticians | $87,600 | $82,860 | -$4,740 (-5.4%) |
13-1082 | Project Management Specialists | $108,100 | $95,860 | -$12,240 (-11.3%) |
13-1111 | Management Analysts | $114,710 | $87,720 | -$26,990 (-23.5%) |
13-1141 | Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $82,920 | $86,950 | +$4,030 (+4.9%) |
13-1199 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $92,380 | $81,760 | -$10,620 (-11.5%) |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $124,710 | +$10,870 (+9.5%) |
52.1003
Organizational Behavior Studies.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3111 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | $156,230 | $241,990 | +$85,760 (+54.9%) |
11-3121 | Human Resources Managers | $160,480 | $131,800 | -$28,680 (-17.9%) |
11-3131 | Training and Development Managers | $140,590 | $152,670 | +$12,080 (+8.6%) |
13-1071 | Human Resources Specialists | $79,730 | $77,800 | -$1,930 (-2.4%) |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $124,710 | +$10,870 (+9.5%) |
Psychology (2)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
42.0101
Psychology, General.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $120,240 | -$29,650 (-19.8%) |
19-3032 | Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $134,400 | $137,540 | +$3,140 (+2.3%) |
19-3033 | Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $106,850 | $116,710 | +$9,860 (+9.2%) |
19-3039 | Psychologists, All Other | $111,340 | $139,090 | +$27,750 (+24.9%) |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | $57,450 | -$6,110 (-9.6%) |
25-1066 | Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $93,530 | $140,370 | +$46,840 (+50.1%) |
Social Sciences (7)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
45.0201
Anthropology, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $120,240 | -$29,650 (-19.8%) |
19-3091 | Anthropologists and Archeologists | $71,070 | $77,620 | +$6,550 (+9.2%) |
25-1061 | Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary | $102,530 | $135,630 | +$33,100 (+32.3%) |
45.0601
Economics, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $120,240 | -$29,650 (-19.8%) |
19-3011 | Economists | $130,910 | $148,970 | +$18,060 (+13.8%) |
19-3022 | Survey Researchers | $73,470 | $115,630 | +$42,160 (+57.4%) |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | $57,450 | -$6,110 (-9.6%) |
25-1063 | Economics Teachers, Postsecondary | $133,140 | $168,300 | +$35,160 (+26.4%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $84,540 | +$10,840 (+14.7%) |
45.0603
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $120,240 | -$29,650 (-19.8%) |
15-2041 | Statisticians | $112,330 | $174,200 | +$61,870 (+55.1%) |
15-2051 | Data Scientists | $124,590 | $108,000 | -$16,590 (-13.3%) |
19-3011 | Economists | $130,910 | $148,970 | +$18,060 (+13.8%) |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | $57,450 | -$6,110 (-9.6%) |
25-1063 | Economics Teachers, Postsecondary | $133,140 | $168,300 | +$35,160 (+26.4%) |
45.0701
Geography.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $120,240 | -$29,650 (-19.8%) |
17-3031 | Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $56,890 | $57,840 | +$950 (+1.7%) |
19-3092 | Geographers | $98,160 | N/A | N/A |
25-1064 | Geography Teachers, Postsecondary | $99,020 | $163,790 | +$64,770 (+65.4%) |
45.0901
International Relations and Affairs.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $120,240 | -$29,650 (-19.8%) |
19-3094 | Political Scientists | $137,600 | $132,240 | -$5,360 (-3.9%) |
25-1065 | Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,160 | $139,760 | +$34,600 (+32.9%) |
45.1001
Political Science and Government, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $120,240 | -$29,650 (-19.8%) |
19-3094 | Political Scientists | $137,600 | $132,240 | -$5,360 (-3.9%) |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | $57,450 | -$6,110 (-9.6%) |
25-1065 | Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,160 | $139,760 | +$34,600 (+32.9%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $84,540 | +$10,840 (+14.7%) |
45.1101
Sociology, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $120,240 | -$29,650 (-19.8%) |
19-3041 | Sociologists | $111,670 | $123,300 | +$11,630 (+10.4%) |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | $57,450 | -$6,110 (-9.6%) |
25-1067 | Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary | $97,270 | $133,240 | +$35,970 (+37%) |
Education (5)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.0101
Education, General.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $117,490 | +$38,990 (+49.7%) |
25-9042 | Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education | N/A | N/A | N/A |
25-9043 | Teaching Assistants, Special Education | N/A | N/A | N/A |
13.0401
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9031 | Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare | $62,640 | $68,810 | +$6,170 (+9.8%) |
11-9032 | Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | $113,360 | $138,580 | +$25,220 (+22.2%) |
11-9033 | Education Administrators, Postsecondary | $124,450 | $125,100 | +$650 (+0.5%) |
11-9039 | Education Administrators, All Other | $99,460 | $106,920 | +$7,460 (+7.5%) |
13.1101
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
21-1012 | Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | $71,520 | $87,510 | +$15,990 (+22.4%) |
13.1210
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.
(PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $117,490 | +$38,990 (+49.7%) |
25-2011 | Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $41,450 | $48,180 | +$6,730 (+16.2%) |
25-2012 | Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $67,020 | $75,310 | +$8,290 (+12.4%) |
25-2021 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $69,790 | $82,960 | +$13,170 (+18.9%) |
25-9042 | Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education | N/A | N/A | N/A |
25-9043 | Teaching Assistants, Special Education | N/A | N/A | N/A |
13.9999
Education, Other.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $117,490 | +$38,990 (+49.7%) |
25-3099 | Teachers and Instructors, All Other | $71,610 | $88,300 | +$16,690 (+23.3%) |
Liberal Arts (1)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0101
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $143,290 | +$48,820 (+51.7%) |
Biological Sciences (3)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
26.0101
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers | $173,500 | $115,520 | -$57,980 (-33.4%) |
19-1029 | Biological Scientists, All Other | $100,440 | $78,200 | -$22,240 (-22.1%) |
19-1099 | Life Scientists, All Other | $101,940 | $162,990 | +$61,050 (+59.9%) |
19-4012 | Agricultural Technicians | $49,680 | $55,000 | +$5,320 (+10.7%) |
19-4013 | Food Science Technicians | $54,400 | $52,880 | -$1,520 (-2.8%) |
19-4021 | Biological Technicians | $58,020 | $45,440 | -$12,580 (-21.7%) |
19-4092 | Forensic Science Technicians | $75,260 | $75,750 | +$490 (+0.7%) |
25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $101,340 | $115,670 | +$14,330 (+14.1%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $84,540 | +$10,840 (+14.7%) |
26.0202
Biochemistry.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers | $173,500 | $115,520 | -$57,980 (-33.4%) |
19-1021 | Biochemists and Biophysicists | $115,570 | $136,480 | +$20,910 (+18.1%) |
19-1042 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $112,690 | $129,970 | +$17,280 (+15.3%) |
19-4013 | Food Science Technicians | $54,400 | $52,880 | -$1,520 (-2.8%) |
19-4021 | Biological Technicians | $58,020 | $45,440 | -$12,580 (-21.7%) |
25-1042 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $101,340 | $115,670 | +$14,330 (+14.1%) |
Kinesiology (2)
Exercise Science, Sports Medicine and Physical Recreation
31.0501
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1193 | Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | $87,980 | $94,550 | +$6,570 (+7.5%) |
27-2021 | Athletes and Sports Competitors | $259,750 | N/A | N/A |
27-2022 | Coaches and Scouts | $58,910 | $54,160 | -$4,750 (-8.1%) |
39-9031 | Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $51,360 | $54,680 | +$3,320 (+6.5%) |
Health (3)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.3801
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert, MSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1072 | Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $87,090 | $138,780 | +$51,690 (+59.4%) |
29-1141 | Registered Nurses | $98,430 | $132,230 | +$33,800 (+34.3%) |
English (2)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
23.0101
English Language and Literature, General.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1123 | English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,400 | $119,170 | +$28,770 (+31.8%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $84,540 | +$10,840 (+14.7%) |
43-9081 | Proofreaders and Copy Markers | $52,730 | $66,770 | +$14,040 (+26.6%) |
Communication (1)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
09.0101
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in California
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | California Avg | CA vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-2032 | Public Relations Managers | $163,520 | $151,470 | -$12,050 (-7.4%) |
25-1122 | Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $90,340 | $140,310 | +$49,970 (+55.3%) |
27-3011 | Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $80,110 | $144,360 | +$64,250 (+80.2%) |
27-3031 | Public Relations Specialists | $80,310 | $72,880 | -$7,430 (-9.3%) |
27-3043 | Writers and Authors | $85,780 | $102,850 | +$17,070 (+19.9%) |
27-3099 | Media and Communication Workers, All Other | $84,870 | $71,690 | -$13,180 (-15.5%) |
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 71 academic programs across 25 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Post-Master's.
Most popular program areas include:
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (8 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (7 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (5 programs)
- Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research (5 programs)
- Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis (4 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 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.
Related Universities


