Pathway Comparison
Same Degree. Same Faculty. Two Ways to Finish.
Your Bachelor's Degree. Your Schedule. Your Choice.
Ready to finish your bachelor's degree? Sonoma State University offers two fully online pathways for eligible transfer students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies.
Extended Education offers flexible course loads, per-unit tuition, and personalized adult learner support.
SSU Stateside offers a structured academic plan, standard CSU tuition, and a cohort-based learning option.
Both pathways offer the same Liberal Studies coursework, Sonoma State faculty, and Bachelor of Arts degree.
Compare Your Online Pathways
Choose a pathway below to explore its benefits.
Extended Education | Flexible Degree Completion
Your Life Is Busy. Your Education Can Still Move Forward.
Flexible Courses. Personalized Support. Pay by the Unit.
Designed with adult learners in mind, Extended Education allows you to choose a course load that fits your work, family, and other responsibilities.
- 100% Online: No campus attendance required for online coursework.
- Flexible Course Load: Take fewer courses when life gets busy or more when your schedule allows.
- Per-Unit Tuition: Pay based on the number of units you enroll in.
- Adult Learner Concierge: Receive personalized guidance from pre-application advising through graduation.
- Individualized Planning: Explore possible course substitutions and credit for prior learning, subject to approval.
- Tuition Structure: Does not include the mandatory campus-based fees associated with Stateside enrollment, as described in the university's comparison.
Who Might Prefer Extended Education?
This pathway may be a good fit if you work full-time, have family responsibilities, prefer a lighter course load, or want personalized support while returning to college.
More Flexibility. Personalized Support. A Degree That Fits Your Life.
SSU Stateside | Structured Degree Completion
A Clear Plan. A Learning Community. A Graduation Goal.
Structured Courses. Cohort Learning. Standard CSU Tuition.
SSU Stateside offers fully online Liberal Studies coursework through Sonoma State's regular state-supported tuition structure.
- 100% Online: Complete coursework without required campus attendance.
- Structured Academic Plan: Follow a coordinated course sequence.
- Cohort Learning: Progress alongside classmates on a similar academic schedule.
- Four-Semester Option: Eligible full-time students may complete the planned coursework over four consecutive semesters.
- Standard CSU Tuition: Pay regular university tuition and applicable mandatory campus fees.
- University Advising: Receive faculty support and centralized university advising.
- Part-Time Option: Part-time enrollment may be available, with a longer completion timeline.
Who Might Prefer Stateside?
This pathway may be a good fit if you're ready to attend full-time, prefer a structured schedule, enjoy cohort learning, or want a planned route toward graduation.
A Clear Plan. A Supportive Community. A Goal Within Reach.
What Do Both Pathways Have in Common?
Two Options. One Sonoma State University Degree.
- Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
- 100% online coursework
- Sonoma State University faculty
- The same Liberal Studies coursework
- No required campus attendance for online coursework
- Academic support and advising
The difference is how you complete your degree, not the degree you earn.
Understanding Tuition & Fees
Explore how tuition works for each pathway.
Extended Education | Pay Per Unit
Tuition is based on the number of units you take each semester.
This structure may be more affordable for students taking a smaller course load.
SSU Stateside | Standard CSU Tuition
Students pay regular CSU tuition and applicable mandatory campus fees.
This structure may be more cost-effective for students taking a larger number of units each semester.
The most affordable pathway depends on your course load, financial circumstances, and current university tuition rates.
View Tuition & Fee Information
Which Online Pathway Fits Your Life?
Click on the questions below to help compare your options.
How Many Courses Can You Take Each Semester?
Extended Education: Greater flexibility to adjust your course load.
SSU Stateside: A structured plan for students prepared to follow a consistent schedule.
How Quickly Do You Want to Graduate?
Extended Education: Your timeline depends on your selected course load.
SSU Stateside: A four-semester cohort plan is available for eligible full-time students.
What Type of Academic Support Do You Prefer?
Extended Education: Dedicated Adult Learner Concierge and faculty guidance.
SSU Stateside: Faculty support and centralized university advising.
Which Tuition Structure Works for Your Budget?
Extended Education: Per-unit tuition.
SSU Stateside: Standard CSU semester tuition and applicable mandatory campus fees.
Compare the estimated cost of each pathway based on your planned course load.
Need Help Choosing Your Pathway?
Not sure which option is right for you? Sonoma State can help you compare programs, review your previous college coursework, and plan your next steps.
Explore the Official Online Pathway Comparison
Your Next Chapter Starts Here!
Whether you're returning to college, advancing your career, or working toward a personal goal, Liberal Studies Online offers two ways to finish your degree.
You're Not Starting Over. You're Building on Everything You've Already Accomplished.
Same Degree. Same Faculty. Your Choice.
Your Life. Your Goals. Your Time to Finish.