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Occidental College vs Sonoma State University

5

Occidental College

2

Sonoma State University

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data
Metric Occidental College Sonoma State University Winner
Acceptance Rate 40% 95% Occidental College
Graduation Rate 84% 60% Occidental College
Avg Earnings (5yr) $52,209 $52,179 Occidental College
Median Debt $23,000 $16,705 Sonoma State University
Tuition (In-State) $63,446 $8,190 Sonoma State University
Retention Rate 87% 75% Occidental College
Financial Aid 39% 27% Occidental College

Comparison Analysis

Occidental College and Sonoma State University have similar median earnings post-graduation, with Occidental's earnings at $52,209 and Sonoma State's at $52,179. However, the schools differ significantly in tuition costs. Occidental's tuition is $63,446, while Sonoma State's is $8,190. Occidental has a higher graduation rate at 84% compared to Sonoma State's 60.1%.

Occidental College has a much lower acceptance rate of 39.9% compared to Sonoma State's 94.7%. This indicates that Occidental is more selective in its admissions process.

Considering the data, Sonoma State University offers a significantly lower tuition cost than Occidental College. Occidental College has a higher graduation rate. The value proposition depends on the individual's priorities, weighing the importance of cost versus graduation rates and selectivity.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major Occidental College Earnings Sonoma State University Earnings Difference
Psychology, General $31,002 $33,006 6% favor Sonoma State University
Sociology $42,653 $37,896 13% favor Occidental College
Biology, General $28,691 $34,074 19% favor Sonoma State University
Economics $64,885 $53,825 21% favor Occidental College
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $0 $33,022
English Language and Literature, General $23,605 $31,282 33% favor Sonoma State University
Biology, General $0 $34,074
Political Science and Government $45,175 $43,547 4% favor Occidental College
History $0 $31,992
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $0 $36,237

Quick Facts

Type Private Non-Profit
Location Los Angeles, CA
Setting City
Students 1,844
Type Public
Location Rohnert Park, CA
Setting Suburban
Students 5,374

Other Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Occidental College has median earnings of $52,209 and tuition of $63,446. Sonoma State University has median earnings of $52,179 and tuition of $8,190. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

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