Nursing at Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
91 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
91
Optimistic
91
Base Case
88
Pessimistic
Earnings $125,646/yr (67% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (292,500 openings/yr)
ROI 36.9x earnings multiple (15.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #14 of 990 Registered Nursing & Nursing Administration programs Top 1%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Nursing graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,213K $1,208K $1,004K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 37.0x 36.9x 30.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 15.1x 15.0x 12.5x
Probability of Field Employment 87% 86% 64%
DegreeOutlook Score 91 91 88

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,760
Out-of-state: $80,280 (15.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,204
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,500
1.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$131,431
5% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $125,646 per year, Nursing graduates from Sonoma State University significantly outpace the $75,273 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

With a 36.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 17% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nursing career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $12,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Among 990 Nursing programs nationally, Sonoma State University ranks #14 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

The limited growth from $125,646 to $131,431 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Sonoma State University

With 95% of applicants admitted, Sonoma State University prioritizes broad access, serving 5,374 students in Rohnert Park, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at Sonoma State University →

Top Career Paths

Nurse anesthetists $223,210/yr
Nurse practitioners $129,210/yr
Nurse midwives $128,790/yr
View all 6 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Nursing at Other Schools

Other Majors at Sonoma State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 91/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nursing at Sonoma State University?
At 91/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nursing at Sonoma State University?
The 39% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Sonoma State University one of the best schools for Nursing?
Among 990 Nursing programs, Sonoma State University's #14 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →