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Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

“Lux Mentis, Lux Orbis (Latin)”("Light of the Mind, Light of the World")

1960
Founded
Public university
Type
5,374
Total Students
5,191
Undergrad
593
Graduate
$71M
Endowment
$8K
Tuition (In-State)
$20K
Tuition (Out-State)
$14K
Avg Net Price
95%
Acceptance Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
6-year
75%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Emily Cutrer (interim)

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Sonoma State University

Sonoma State: Inspiring Minds and Worlds in California's Wine Country.

Nestled in the picturesque Sonoma County, Sonoma State University stands as a vibrant public institution and a proud member of the distinguished California State University system. Guided by its enduring motto, "Lux Mentis, Lux Orbis" — Light of the Mind, Light of the World — SSU is dedicated to fostering intellectual growth and global understanding. Recognized for its academic excellence, U.S. News & World Report ranks Sonoma State 23rd among Regional Universities in the West and 13th in Top Public Schools, affirming its commitment to quality education. As a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution, SSU embraces a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

Academically, Sonoma State offers a rich tapestry of programs across three core colleges and more than 65 departments, providing students with a wealth of opportunities. With 62 bachelor's, 13 master's, and 24 teaching credential programs, students can pursue their passions in fields ranging from the arts and humanities to science, technology, and business. The university champions interdisciplinary exploration, notably through the unique Hutchins School of Liberal Studies. Modern learning is supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including the Jean and Charles Schulz Information Center, which houses an extensive collection of over 400,000 volumes and an advanced Automated Retrieval System for 750,000 more, alongside the renovated Darwin Hall, offering cutting-edge laboratories for science students.

Life at Sonoma State extends beyond the classroom, with its expansive 269-acre suburban campus serving as a dynamic hub for nearly 6,000 students. The university fosters a strong sense of community, offering diverse residential options like Sauvignon Village and a contemporary social center designed to enhance student engagement. A cornerstone of SSU's cultural landscape is the Donald and Maureen Green Music Center, featuring the acoustically superb 1,400-seat Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall. This world-class venue not only enriches the campus experience with premier performances but also serves as a vibrant cultural beacon for the wider Sonoma County region, making SSU a truly exceptional place to learn and grow.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Ranked 23rd in Regional Universities West and 13th in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report.
  • ✦Offers 62 bachelor's, 13 master's, and 24 teaching credential programs across three academic colleges.
  • ✦Home to the state-of-the-art Jean and Charles Schulz Information Center, housing over 400,000 physical volumes and an additional 750,000 in its Automated Retrieval System.
  • ✦Features the Donald and Maureen Green Music Center, including the 1,400-seat Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall, a premier performance venue.
  • ✦A federally designated Hispanic-serving institution.
  • ✦Situated on a 269-acre campus in scenic Sonoma County, California, fostering a vibrant student experience.
  • ✦Founded in 1960 as part of the esteemed California State University system.

Timeline

1960
Established by the California State Legislature as Sonoma State College.
1961
Opened with an initial enrollment of 274 students.
1966
Moved to its permanent 215-acre campus.
1978
Renamed Sonoma State University from Sonoma State College.
2001
Jean and Charles Schulz Information Center completed; campus expanded by 48 acres.
2005
Renovation of Darwin Hall, the university's science building, began.
2012
Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall, a key component of the Green Music Center, completed.
2025
Announced plans to address a $24 million deficit, including program and position eliminations.
🏛️
66 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within Sonoma State University

🎭

School of Arts & Humanities

Offering a diverse range of programs in creative and critical thought, fostering cultural understanding and artistic expression.

🏫

Hutchins School of Liberal Studies

An interdisciplinary learning community providing a holistic approach to education within Sonoma State University.

💼

School of Business and Economics

Preparing students for leadership in the global marketplace through comprehensive business and economic programs.

📚

School of Education

Dedicated to training future educators and leaders through a variety of teaching credential and advanced programs.

📚

School of Extended & International Education

Providing opportunities for lifelong learning, professional development, and global engagement through diverse programs.

🔬

School of Social Sciences

Exploring human behavior, societies, and cultures through rigorous inquiry and community engagement.

Leadership

Emily Cutrer (interim)
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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