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Sonoma State University and California State University-Bakersfield are both public institutions — Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, CA and California State University-Bakersfield in Bakersfield, 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.
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.
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.
| Factor | Sonoma State University | California State University-Bakersfield |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 93.4% | 93.8% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 5,166 | 8,577 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $21,224/year | $20,690/year |
| Average net price after aid | $12,885 | $5,652 |
| Graduation rate | 57.6% | 49.8% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $65,986 | $59,009 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 17.0:1 | 20.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Rohnert Park, CA | Bakersfield, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences | Psychology, Business and marketing, Social sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (93.4% vs 93.8%). 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 Sonoma State University and California State University-Bakersfield
Sonoma State University has an acceptance rate of 93.4%; California State University-Bakersfield is around 93.8%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Sonoma State University tuition is $21,224/year. California State University-Bakersfield is $20,690/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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