Pathway Comparison

Same Degree. Same Faculty. Two Ways to Finish.

Your Bachelor's Degree. Your Schedule. Your Choice.

You've already invested time and effort into your education. Now it's time to find a way to finish your bachelor's degree that works for your life.

Sonoma State University offers two fully online pathways for eligible transfer students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies:

• Extended Education Degree Completion Program
• SSU Stateside Degree Completion Program

Both pathways offer the same Liberal Studies coursework, are taught by the same Sonoma State University faculty, and lead to the same Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Sonoma State University.

The difference isn't the degree you earn. It's how you choose to complete it.

Whether you're working full-time, raising a family, returning to college after several years, or ready to focus on finishing your degree, you have options.

Your education should work with your life, not against it.

Compare Your Liberal Studies Online Pathways

Two Options. One Sonoma State University Degree.

Both options lead to the same Sonoma State University Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies.

Extended Education Degree Completion Program

Your Life Is Busy. Your Education Can Still Move Forward.

Flexible Course Loads. Personalized Support. Pay by the Unit.

The Extended Education Liberal Studies pathway was developed with adult learners in mind.

Whether you're balancing a career, family responsibilities, military service, or other commitments, this option allows you to choose a course load that fits your schedule.

Instead of following a fixed full-time plan, you can enroll in fewer courses when life gets busy or take additional courses when your schedule allows.

What Makes Extended Education Different?

Choose Your Course Load

Take one or two courses at a time or enroll in more when your schedule permits.

Pay for the Units You Take

Tuition is charged per unit rather than through the regular Stateside semester tuition structure.

Dedicated Adult Learner Concierge

Receive personalized assistance from a student services professional who can help guide you from pre-application advising through graduation.

Build on Your Previous Experience

The Adult Learner Concierge can help you explore potential course substitutions and opportunities for credit for prior learning, subject to university approval.

Focus on the Services You Need

The Extended Education tuition structure does not include the mandatory campus-based fees associated with regular Stateside enrollment, as described in the university's pathway comparison.

Who Might Prefer Extended Education?

This option may appeal to students who:

• Work full-time or have changing work schedules.
• Balance college with family or caregiving responsibilities.
• Prefer taking a smaller number of courses each semester.
• Want personalized assistance while returning to college.
• Have previous coursework or learning experiences they want evaluated.
• Prefer paying tuition based on the number of units they take.

More Flexibility. Personalized Support. A Degree That Fits Your Life.

SSU Stateside Degree Completion Program

Ready to Make Your Degree a Priority?

A Structured Schedule. A Learning Community. A Clear Graduation Goal.

The Stateside Liberal Studies pathway offers fully online coursework through Sonoma State University's regular state-supported tuition structure.

The program is designed around a cohort model that allows students to progress through their coursework together.

For students prepared to enroll full-time, the structured course sequence is designed to support degree completion over four consecutive semesters.

Part-time enrollment may also be available, although the time needed to graduate will depend on course load and academic requirements.

What Makes Stateside Different?

A Structured Academic Plan

Follow a planned sequence of Liberal Studies courses designed to support steady progress toward graduation.

Learn with a Cohort

Connect with classmates who are completing their degrees on a similar academic schedule.

Standard CSU Tuition

Pay regular university tuition and applicable mandatory campus fees rather than a per-unit Extended Education rate.

University Advising Support

Receive guidance from faculty and access to centralized university advising resources.

A Potentially Faster Route to Graduation

For students who can maintain the required full-time course load, the four-semester structure may provide a faster route to completing their degree.

Who Might Prefer Stateside?

This option may appeal to students who:

• Are prepared to attend college full-time.
• Prefer a structured academic schedule.
• Enjoy learning with a consistent group of classmates.
• Want to complete their degree over four consecutive semesters.
• Plan to take a larger number of units each semester.
• Want access to applicable university campus services.

A Clear Plan. A Supportive Learning Community. A Goal Within Reach.

Understanding Tuition & Fees

Find the Option That Works for Your Budget.

College is an investment, and understanding your tuition options can help you make informed decisions.

The two Liberal Studies Online pathways use different tuition structures.

Extended Education

Pay Per Unit

Tuition is based on the number of units you take each semester.

This may be a more affordable option for students taking a smaller course load.

SSU Stateside

Standard CSU Semester Tuition

Students pay regular CSU tuition and applicable mandatory campus fees.

This may be more cost-effective for students taking a larger number of units each semester.

The most affordable option depends on your planned course load, financial circumstances, and current university tuition rates.

View Sonoma State's Degree Completion Tuition & Fee Comparison →

Which Liberal Studies Pathway Fits Your Life?

Think About Your Goals and Responsibilities.

Choosing a degree completion option is an important decision. Consider what matters most to you.

How many courses can you realistically take each semester?

If you need a lighter or changing course load, Extended Education may offer greater flexibility.

If you're ready to attend full-time and prefer a structured schedule, Stateside may be worth considering.

What kind of support would help you succeed?

Extended Education provides a dedicated Adult Learner Concierge.

Stateside offers faculty support and access to centralized university advising.

How quickly would you like to graduate?

Stateside offers a structured four-semester cohort plan for eligible full-time students.

Extended Education allows you to adjust your course load, which may affect how long it takes to finish.

What tuition structure makes sense for you?

Compare the estimated total cost based on the number of units you expect to take each semester.

Need Help Comparing Your Options?

We're Here to Help You Make an Informed Decision.

Not sure which Liberal Studies Online pathway is right for you?

Sonoma State University can help you explore the differences between Extended Education and Stateside, review your previous college coursework, and understand the options available.

Both pathways offer the same Liberal Studies degree. The right choice depends on your schedule, financial circumstances, and educational goals.

Explore Sonoma State's Official Pathway Comparison →

Your Next Chapter Starts Here.

Maybe you've been thinking about finishing your bachelor's degree for years. Maybe you're ready for a promotion, considering a career change, or working toward a personal goal.

Whatever brought you here, the education and experience you've already gained matter.

The Liberal Studies Online Degree Completion Program offers two ways to continue your education while managing the responsibilities that matter most to you.

You're Not Starting Over. You're Building on Everything You've Already Accomplished.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Explore the Liberal Studies Online pathways, compare tuition, and find the option that works for your life.

Apply Through Cal State Apply →

Same Degree. Same Faculty. Your Choice.

Your Life. Your Goals. Your Time to Finish.