University of California-Merced vs Sonoma State University: which has better ROI?
Sonoma State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $51,540 in 2.9 years versus 3 years at University of California-Merced, on median earnings of $65,986 vs $64,368 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of California-Merced | Sonoma State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $11,983 | $12,885 |
| Total net cost | $47,932 | $51,540 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $64,368 | $65,986 |
| Median debt | $16,144 | $16,705 |
| Payback | 3 yrs | 2.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $272,228 | $300,980 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Merced or Sonoma State University?
University of California-Merced, at $11,983 a year after aid versus $12,885 — a gap of $902 a year, or $3,608 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of California-Merced or Sonoma State University graduates earn more?
Sonoma State University graduates report a median $65,986 ten years after entry, $1,618 more than the $64,368 at University of California-Merced. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of California-Merced or Sonoma State University?
University of California-Merced: its completers carry a median $16,144 in federal loans versus $16,705 at Sonoma State University, a difference of $561. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
69% of students finish at University of California-Merced, against 58% at Sonoma State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.