Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree) at Sonoma State University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$55,001

82nd percentile

60th percentile in California

Median Debt

$17,500

33% below national median

Analysis

Sonoma State's business program stands out as an exceptional value play in California's competitive landscape. With first-year earnings of $55,001—ranking in the 82nd percentile nationally and well above both national ($45,703) and California ($49,543) medians—graduates earn significantly more than typical business majors while carrying just $17,500 in debt, roughly half the state average.

The debt picture is particularly compelling. At less than one-third of first-year earnings, this debt load is among the lowest nationally (5th percentile), making monthly payments highly manageable. Strong 27% earnings growth to nearly $70,000 by year four demonstrates solid career trajectory, positioning graduates competitively against programs at much more selective institutions.

While Sonoma State ranks in the middle tier among California business programs (60th percentile), the combination of low debt and strong earnings creates outsized return on investment. The 95% admission rate makes this accessible to most applicants, yet outcomes rival those of far more exclusive schools. For parents seeking strong employment prospects without crushing debt, this program delivers genuine value that many higher-ranked alternatives simply can't match at this price point.

Where Sonoma State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Sonoma State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Sonoma State University	$55,001	$69,909	+27%
University of California-Berkeley	$90,008	$123,780	+38%
University of San Francisco	$50,729	$91,169	+80%
University of Southern California	$71,668	$87,767	+22%
Golden Gate University	$77,752	$87,027	+12%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (98 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Sonoma State UniversityRohnert Park	$8,190	$55,001	$69,909	$17,500	0.32
University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley	$14,850	$90,008	$123,780	$12,195	0.14
Golden Gate UniversitySan Francisco	$31,243	$77,752	$87,027	$33,968	0.44
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo	$11,075	$71,876	$85,332	$17,000	0.24
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles	$68,237	$71,668	$87,767	$17,375	0.24
Pepperdine UniversityMalibu	$66,742	$69,751	$82,688	$28,000	0.40
National Median	—	$45,703	—	$26,000	0.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Sonoma State University, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 416 graduates with reported earnings and 350 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.