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University of California-Riverside vs Sonoma State University: which has better ROI?

Public, Riverside CA · vs · Public, Rohnert Park CA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

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-Riverside, on median earnings of $65,986 vs $67,699 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of California-RiversideSonoma State University
Net price / yr$14,304$12,885
Total net cost$57,216$51,540
Median earnings, 10 yrs$67,699$65,986
Median debt$17,500$16,705
Payback3 yrs2.9 yrs
20-year net return$329,564$300,980

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of California-Riverside or Sonoma State University?

Sonoma State University, at $12,885 a year after aid versus $14,304 — a gap of $1,419 a year, or $5,676 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-Riverside or Sonoma State University graduates earn more?

University of California-Riverside graduates report a median $67,699 ten years after entry, $1,713 more than the $65,986 at Sonoma State University. 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-Riverside or Sonoma State University?

Sonoma State University: its completers carry a median $16,705 in federal loans versus $17,500 at University of California-Riverside, a difference of $795. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

76% of students finish at University of California-Riverside, 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.

University of California-Riverside vs Sonoma State University: frequently asked questions

Is University of California-Riverside or Sonoma State University a better value?
Sonoma State University. It clears its $51,540 net cost in about 2.9 years versus 3 years at University of California-Riverside, on median earnings of $65,986 vs $67,699 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Riverside or Sonoma State University?
Sonoma State University: $12,885/yr net price after aid versus $14,304/yr at University of California-Riverside — a difference of $1,419 a year, or about $5,676 over four years.
Do University of California-Riverside or Sonoma State University graduates earn more?
University of California-Riverside graduates earn a median $67,699 ten years after entry, versus $65,986 at Sonoma State University — a $1,713 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.