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Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, California

5,000 Students on Campus
Rohnert Park Location
44,894 Metro Population
5,000 Students on Campus
Rohnert Park Location
44,894 Metro Population

About This Campus

Sonoma State University blends the vibe of a small, close-knit campus with the perks of Northern California living. SSU offers a safe, walkable campus with modern facilities, unique themed housing, and plenty of ways to get involved. The campus vibe is relaxed, friendly, and community-oriented—great for students who want solid academic support and a welcoming place to land. NSE students are fully integrated into our international student community, joining cultural events, excursions, and social programs that make it easy to meet people and feel connected. It’s a genuinely fun, supportive environment where students can explore new perspectives and make real connections.

#10 Public University in the Western Region

#3 Ranked for Most Amazing Campus Arts Center

#12 Best Housing in the Nation, #1 Best College Housing in the CSU

Helpful Information

SSU is a great fit for students who want a supportive, community-minded campus with plenty of chances to get involved. Placement is usually straightforward, and most students get the classes they need with a little flexibility. Assistance is provided to NSE students to navigate course approvals and registration so they feel confident in their schedule. Living on campus is required and keeps you close to events, dining, and recreation.

Location Information

Set in Sonoma County’s wine country, SSU sits between redwood forests, Pacific beaches, and some of Northern California’s cutest towns. Students get the full California experience—farmers' markets, live music, art festivals, cozy cafés, and easy day trips to San Francisco. Rohnert Park offers small-town comfort with quick access to outdoor adventures and regional transit. It’s a great spot for students who want a calm home base with tons of culture, nature, and exploration just beyond the campus.

Academics

REGISTRATION:
TERM DATES:

Fall Start Date: 08/24/2026 - Fall End Date: 12/18/2026

Spring Start Date: 01/25/2027 - Spring End Date: 05/21/2027

CLOSED PROGRAMS:

Nursing

RESTRICTED/LIMITED PROGRAMS:

Communications, Political Science, Chemistry, Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies, Psychology, Kinesiology, and Business/Wine Business are all high-demand majors; therefore, access to courses may be limited, and specific classes could be restricted. Students in these majors should have flexibility in the classes they wish to take. Students wishing to take upper-division Business classes must meet all of the Pre-Business course requirements: Introduction to Macroeconomics, Introduction to Microeconomics, Introduction to Finite Mathematics or Calculus, Business Statistics or Elementary Statistics or Statistics for Economics and Business, Legal Environment of Business, Financial Accounting, and Managerial Accounting. Students wishing to study Biology must have an advising meeting with a Biology adviser (over the phone, internet, or other prior to submitting course requests).

OTHER ACADEMIC INFORMATION:

Students must meet the individual requirements for any courses they wish to take. It is often a requirement for students to be declared or a related major. Upper-division classes often have lower-division class prerequisites.

NOTABLE ACADEMICS PROGRAMS:
  • Business — Something very special happens when humanist psychologists create a school of business and economics. It attracts a different kind of faculty that aren't just teachers, and aren't just researchers: it attracts faculty who are researchers. It nurtures educators, students, alumni, and staff to teach, support, and learn well beyond their specific discipline. http://sbe.sonoma.edu/
  • Education
  • Psychology — The SSU Psychology department was a pioneer in the field of Humanistic Psychology. The program has evolved to include contemporary topics such as health and wellness, mindfulness, ecopsychology, optimal development, and multicultural competence. https://psychology.sonoma.edu/about/dept-history
UNIQUE ACADEMICS PROGRAMS:
  • Wine Business
OPTIONS:

Honors Access: No

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS OPEN TO NSE STUDENTS:

Conditions

GPA AND OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:
EXCHANGE PREFERENCES:
  • Full Year Exchange: Accepted
  • Single Term Exchange: Accepted
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (Visa Students):
  • Receive from Canada: Will Accept Away/Home Pay
  • Does your campus accept International Students (those already in the U.S. on a student visa)?
CANADIAN EXCHANGE:
Learn More
  • Accept international students studying in Canada on a visa? - Yes
  • Accept Canadian students on J1 visa or F1 visa? - J1 Visa

Tuition/Finance

Figures per Semester are current as of 12/18/2025
TUITION:
  • Campus Budget
  • Fees are subject to change without notice
  • Home Tuition Payment: Available
  • Away Tuition Payment: Available
    Estimated cost:
    Per Term Tuition (Resident-Rate) - $3225
    Per Term Mandatory Fees - $1306
MAXIMUM CREDIT HOURS PER SEMESTER:
  • Home Payment: 18
  • Host Payment: 18
MISCELLANEOUS FEES:
Purpose
Amount
Period
Plan
Status
Parking Fee
$142
Term
Away & Home
Optional
Housing Fee
$300
Year
Away & Home
Optional
NSE Program Fee
$100
Term
Away & Home
Mandatory
IMPORTANT NOTES:

For information on additional fees, such as class lab fees, visit this website: seawolfservices.sonoma.edu/fees/description

Canadian students may incur additional fees relating to their student visa and services provided by the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office.

Financial Aid for NSE Students. Regardless of Payment Plan, financial aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.

Room/Meals

Figures per Semester are current as of 12/18/2025
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING PER SEMESER:
  • Is on-campus housing available? Yes
  • Is on-campus living required? Yes
  • Number of reserved housing spaces: 0
  • Average Room Cost (per term): $6489
  • On-Campus Housing
Off-CAMPUS HOUSING:
NOTES ABOUT ON-CAMPUS HOUSING:

On-campus housing is required for all incoming NSE students due to limited, competitive, and costly off-campus housing. Housing contracts are signed for a full year. Students who are staying for only Fall semester must submit the "Petition to Vacate" by November 15 to avoid a $250 fee. For on-campus housing information: housing.sonoma.edu

MEAL PLANS:
  • Are meal plans available on campus? Yes
  • Is a meal plan purchase required for on-campus, non-apartment residence halls? No
  • Average Meal Plan Cost (per term): $1750
  • Campus Meal Plans
NOTES ABOUT MEAL PLANS:

There are various meal plan options available at different price points.

Fees are subject to change without notice.

Chance of Acceptance

Priority Placements for Academic Year 26/27

If this is your top choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Excellent

This campus accepts most (75%+) applicants. You may want to consider adding alternate choice campuses marked as OPEN or EXCELLENT to ensure placement.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

If this is your alternate choice campus...

Home Tuition Payment Plan

Good

This campus accepts many (50-74%) applicants. You definitely want to consider adding alternate choice campuses marked as OPEN or EXCELLENT to ensure placement.

Away Tuition Payment Plan

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

Resources

CAMPUS SOCIAL MEDIA: