Sonoma State University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$32,760
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$17,179/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
1.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
949%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Sonoma State University's in-state tuition is $8,190. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $41,936. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $52,179, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $65,986. The median debt for graduates is $16,705, and 27% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for Sonoma State graduates is favorable. With a median debt of $16,705 and a starting salary of $41,936, the debt represents a small fraction of annual earnings. The break-even point, where cumulative earnings surpass the cost of tuition, is achieved quickly.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$8,190
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,705
Median Earnings (5yr)
$52,179
Graduation Rate
60%
Receive Financial Aid
27%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $94,536 | 3535% |
| Psychology, General | $40,691 | 247% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $51,305 | 895% |
| Sociology | $54,677 | 1101% |
| Education, Other | $35,866 | -47% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $124,083 | 5339% |
| Communication and Media Studies | $53,663 | 1039% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $51,845 | 928% |
| Biology, General | $56,913 | 1238% |
| English Language and Literature, General | $49,487 | 784% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $58,007 | 1305% |
| History | $46,073 | 576% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.