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California State University-Bakersfield and Sonoma State University are both public institutions — California State University-Bakersfield in Bakersfield, CA and Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Bakersfield, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 93.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 8,577
Tuition: $20,690/year
Student-faculty ratio: 20.0:1
Graduation rate: 49.8%
Top programs: Psychology, Business and marketing, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Bakersfield, CA with published program strength in Psychology and Business and marketing.
Rohnert Park, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 93.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 5,166
Tuition: $21,224/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 57.6%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Rohnert Park, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Psychology.
| Factor | California State University-Bakersfield | Sonoma State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 93.8% | 93.4% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 8,577 | 5,166 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $20,690/year | $21,224/year |
| Average net price after aid | $5,652 | $12,885 |
| Graduation rate | 49.8% | 57.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $59,009 | $65,986 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 20.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Bakersfield, CA | Rohnert Park, CA |
| Largest program areas | Psychology, Business and marketing, Social sciences | Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (93.8% vs 93.4%). California State University-Bakersfield has a lower average net price after grant aid ($5,652 vs $12,885). Sonoma State University reports the higher graduation rate (57.6% vs 49.8%). California State University-Bakersfield is the larger undergraduate campus (8,577 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between California State University-Bakersfield and Sonoma State University
California State University-Bakersfield has an acceptance rate of 93.8%; Sonoma State University is around 93.4%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
California State University-Bakersfield tuition is $20,690/year. Sonoma State University is $21,224/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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