California Lutheran University vs Sonoma State University

Thousand Oaks, CA — Rohnert Park, CA

Metric
California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, CA
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA
Location Thousand Oaks, CA Rohnert Park, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 2,296 5,166
Acceptance Rate 75.7% 93.4%
SAT Average 1,266
In-State Tuition $52,560 $8,624
Out-of-State Tuition $52,560 $21,224
Avg Net Price $30,109 $12,885
Median Debt at Graduation $21,669 $16,705
4-Year Graduation Rate 71.6% 59.1%
Retention Rate 78.8% 79.2%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $54,981 $52,179
Median Earnings (10 yr) $68,712 $65,986
Loan Repayment Rate 122800.0% 260000.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, CA
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Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California Lutheran University and Sonoma State University compare?
California Lutheran University (Thousand Oaks, CA) has an acceptance rate of 75.7%, in-state tuition of $52,560, and median 10-year earnings of $68,712. Sonoma State University (Rohnert Park, CA) has an acceptance rate of 93.4%, in-state tuition of $8,624, and median 10-year earnings of $65,986.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Lutheran University or Sonoma State University?
California Lutheran University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $68,712 vs $65,986. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Lutheran University or Sonoma State University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Sonoma State University is the more affordable option at $12,885 per year versus $30,109.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
California Lutheran University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 71.6% vs 59.1%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025