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University of California-Merced and Sonoma State University are both public institutions — University of California-Merced in Merced, 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.
Merced, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 90.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 8,372
Tuition: $49,823/year
Student-faculty ratio: 20.0:1
Graduation rate: 68.7%
Top programs: Engineering, Psychology, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Merced, CA with published program strength in Engineering and Psychology.
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 | University of California-Merced | Sonoma State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 90.5% | 93.4% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 8,372 | 5,166 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $49,823/year | $21,224/year |
| Average net price after aid | $11,983 | $12,885 |
| Graduation rate | 68.7% | 57.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $64,368 | $65,986 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 20.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Merced, CA | Rohnert Park, CA |
| Largest program areas | Engineering, Psychology, Biological sciences | Business and marketing, Psychology, Social sciences |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (90.5% vs 93.4%). University of California-Merced has a lower average net price after grant aid ($11,983 vs $12,885). University of California-Merced reports the higher graduation rate (68.7% vs 57.6%). University of California-Merced is the larger undergraduate campus (8,372 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 University of California-Merced and Sonoma State University
University of California-Merced has an acceptance rate of 90.5%; Sonoma State University is around 93.4%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of California-Merced tuition is $49,823/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.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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