by our College Data Analytics TeamIs SSU worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
SSU is ranked #842 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of A- (top 20% for value). Within California, it ranks #98 of 304 for value.
Among the majors SSU offers, these rank best for value nationally.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Other Education | #5 of 31 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #5 of 31 |
| Latino Studies | #13 of 34 |
| General Human Development & Family Studies | #15 of 104 |
| Geography | #18 of 83 |
| Geography & Cartography | #20 of 88 |
| Women's Studies | #23 of 74 |
| Biochemistry | #27 of 237 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology | #29 of 273 |
| Biology | #29 of 273 |
Read the full SSU value report below — how it ranks within its state, how it ranks nationwide, what a degree actually costs, and whether it makes financial sense.
Sonoma State University is ranked #33 out of #346 in California for quality and #98 out of #304 for California value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the SSU financial aid page to be sure.
Sonoma State University is ranked #842 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Sonoma State University is priced competitively for the quality of education it provides, earning it a good value recognition from College Factual.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at SSU costs about $16,388. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $65,553 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $23,833 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $12,885 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $16,388 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $65,553 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
Your price depends heavily on your family income and the aid you qualify for. See the SSU net price page for a fuller breakdown of what you might actually pay.
What SSU costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a SSU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $95,332 | — | — |
| All Students | $65,553 | #842 | A- |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $51,540 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $95,332 | — | — |
| All Students | $65,553 | #98 | B |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $51,540 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at SSU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $9,406 |
| $30K–$48K | $11,158 |
| $48K–$75K | $12,751 |
| $75K–$110K | $16,423 |
| Over $110K | $22,141 |
About 68% of SSU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $10,379 per year. Get more details on the SSU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average SSU cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.