San Jose State University
About San Jose State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
San Jose State University is a public university in San Jose, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. It is one of the top feeders of graduates to major tech companies and offers strong programs in engineering, computer science, business, and design.
Founded
1857
Location
San Jose, California
Students
37,254
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
84.6%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
69.2%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$8,410
Out-of-state: $21,010
Avg Net Price
$13,760
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$78,988
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$70
Early
N/A
Deadline
Dec 1
San Jose State University accepts the majority of applicants at 84.6%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
69.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
86.8%
4-Year Grad
25%
6-Year Grad
69%
Teaching Quality
22:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
43.7%
$/Student
$9.0K
Class Size
Large
The 25% graduation rate is below average, but 86.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,410
In-State
$21,010
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$20,971
Books & Supplies
$1,062
Total Cost of Attendance
$26,593
After Financial Aid
$13,760
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,730
Receive Grants
35.2%
Take Loans
19.5%
The full cost of attendance is about $26,593/yr for in-state students, including $20,971 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $13,760. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $21,010.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at San Jose State University fund their education.
While in School
35.2%
Get Grants
Free money
19.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$29,408
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$15,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$159/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 19.5% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $15,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends San Jose State University.
Gender
47.7%
Female
52%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
27,601
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
9,653
Graduates
49%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
15.5%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (48% women, 52% men). 49% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
27,601
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
San Jose State University fields 13 varsity teams with 575 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Mountain West
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
575
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
317
Men
258
Women
7
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of San Jose State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$78,988
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
—
1657 grads
Psychology, General
—
486 grads
Communication and Media Studies
—
276 grads
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
—
260 grads
Computer Engineering
—
251 grads
Computer Science
—
244 grads
Earnings grow steadily here: $62K at six years, $54K at eight, and $79K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about San Jose State University
What is the acceptance rate at San Jose State University?▾
How much does San Jose State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at San Jose State University?▾
How much do San Jose State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.