Top reasons to choose Sonoma State by May 1

April 24, 2019
Top Reasons to Choose SSU

No. 1 - Academic Excellence:

Sonoma State offers students an education that prepares you for the workforce and the world. We offer 46 majors and 49 minors and are proud to be the only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges in the state of California. From nursing, to education, to our unique Wine Business Institute, Sonoma State offers many high-quality programs. These are among the reasons why U.S. News and World Report ranks Sonoma State as one of the top public colleges in the West. Whether you’ve already decided on your area of interest, or you are still searching for your passion, Sonoma State has an academic experience for you. Say yes to SSU.  

No. 2 - Strong Sense of Community:

With 9,200 students, Sonoma State offers smaller class sizes when compared to other universities across the state. Smaller classes means more one-on-one time with professors and more opportunities to take on meaningful, leadership roles in clubs, classes and research programs and various campus activities. In addition to offering a broad spectrum of clubs and organizations, Sonoma State is known for its close-knit residential communities, which provide housing for more than one-third of the university’s students. Sonoma State’s residential communities are often ranked among the best in the country. SSU understands the importance of encouraging students to get involved and it begins with making them feel at home. Becoming a student at Sonoma State is about more than joining a class. It’s about becoming part of the Seawolf family.

No. 3 - SSU is a top college for transfer students: 

Money magazine recently named Sonoma State University as one of the best colleges in the nation for transfer students. Out of a possible 727 colleges and universities, Sonoma State was ranked No. 12 for awarding degrees to students who transfer from community colleges and other universities.

“Sonoma State is proud to be a university of choice for transfer students,” said Provost Lisa Vollendorf.

Using federal data, Money ranked its top 50 schools for transfer students based on the enrollment and completion rates of these students. Other factors included early career earnings and average student debt at the time of graduation.

Our relatively small class sizes also help transfer students get the classes they need to receive their degree in the least amount of time possible. We understand the importance transfer students have on a campus community, and we want you to experience how Sonoma State can help you achieve the next step in your higher education journey.

No. 4 - One of the most beautiful ‘green’ college campuses in the nation:

From its majestic redwoods to its hidden “Bird and Butterfly Garden" to its series of campus lakes that highlight the 269-acre campus, Sonoma State is known for its greenery, its tranquility and its beauty. As such, it’s common to see a variety of birds making their homes on campus, from sparrows and robins to snowy egrets, hawks and great horned owls. In addition, Thebestcolleges.org recently ranked the university as "one of the top 'green' campuses in the country.” Many of the buildings on campus have set the standard for sustainability for small colleges, and efforts to expand the university’s resiliency are underway. Sonoma State President Judy K. Sakaki on April 5 signed the landmark “President's Climate Leadership Commitment," a comprehensive roadmap for mitigating and adapting to a changing climate. This sets high goals of sustainability for the university.

No. 5 - A commitment to diversity and supporting underserved students

Sonoma State is proud of its reputation for providing an exemplary education for every student. We stand committed to fostering and sustaining a pluralistic, inclusive environment that empowers all members of our campus community to achieve their highest potential without fear of prejudice or discrimination. This is embodied in our classification as a Hispanic Serving Institution and is one reason why Sonoma State is home to many first-generation students. For example, since 2012, Sonoma State has provided the HUB, a center meant to build communities and value differences in race, class, gender, sexuality, ability, nationality and other intersecting identities. No matter your background, Sonoma State is committed to allowing all students to thrive - together.

No. 6 - Our distinctive facilities and housing

Sonoma State provides students with facilities that match our commitment to academic excellence and innovation. From the science and technological spaces in Darwin Hall to the new Wine Spectator Learning Center, we provide the environment and tools you need to achieve success. Our state-of-the-art Green Music Center ranks No. 3 among College Degree Search’s “25 Most Amazing Campus Arts Centers.” If being outdoors is where you feel most at home, we offer more than 4,000 acres of preserves in Mendocino and Sonoma counties. And for when the day is over, we provide nationally ranked apartment-style housing for first-year and transfer students. When you become a Seawolf, you will find yourself not only embraced by a warm, welcoming community but immersed in a state-of-the-art learning environment that will allow you to thrive. See for yourself.

No. 7 - A high-quality — and affordable — education

We are aware student cost is an important decision when choosing a university. Sonoma State is proud to create an environment where students can get a high-quality education at an affordable price. This commitment was demonstrated once again this spring as Sonoma State was ranked among Forbes Magazine's 300 “Best Value Colleges” list for the fourth year in a row. To make this list, the university was ranked on a number of criteria including overall cost, student debt after graduation and alumni earnings. With a low student to faculty ratio, Sonoma State provides students with the tools and connections to graduate as soon as possible with the least amount of debt necessary. See for yourself.

To reserve your spot at Sonoma State and become a Seawolf, visit Join Noma Nation.

Stay tuned for the next reason to choose Sonoma State, coming on Tuesday.

Media Contact

Paul Gullixson