San Jose State University
San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 84.6%, an average net price of $14,241, and an overall rank of #221 (Grade A-). About 67.7% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $87,383 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
San Jose State University is a public university in San Jose, CA. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Day to day, students benefit from a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, and 86.8% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 125.1%, roughly 75.2 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is San Jose State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
San Jose State University graduates 67.7% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 77.5% and keeps 86.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use San Jose State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $14,679 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $8,846 |
| Books and Supplies | $958 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $21,890 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,642 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $28,920 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 38.8% of San Jose State University students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,381 to $24,449 depending on family income. Use San Jose State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,813/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,449/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $87,383
- 10-Year Median Earnings $83,493
- Average Years to Graduate 4.9 years
- Average Student Debt $14,750
- Debt-to-Earnings ~16.9%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 74.3%
- Employment Rate 93.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for San Jose State University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
San Jose State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how San Jose State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes San Jose State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: San Jose State University graduates report median earnings of $87,383 five years after graduation, 42% above the national median. The 125.1% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 27,601
- Full-Time Students 82.1%
- Part-Time Students 17.9%
- Retention Rate 86.8%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 67.7%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 77.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 25:1
How to Get Into San Jose State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: San Jose State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 84.6%, San Jose State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 84.6% acceptance rate, San Jose State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among San Jose State University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Communication and Media Studies draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 24.0%
- Psychology, General 7.0%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.0%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 3.8%
- Computer Engineering 3.6%
- Computer Science 3.5%
See more majors
- Design and Applied Arts 3.2%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 3.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $159,053
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $157,894
- 3. Computer Science $148,572
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering $138,550
- 5. Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering $138,397
- 6. Mechanical Engineering $126,078
- 7. Industrial Engineering $119,007
- 8. Management Information Systems and Services $117,195
- 9. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $116,274
- 10. Chemical Engineering $113,891
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Computer Engineering (Master's Degree) $197,757
- 2. Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $172,382
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $149,643
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Taxation (Master's Degree) $145,837
- 5. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $113,267
- 6. Social Work (Master's Degree) $108,099
- 7. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $90,509
- 8. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $89,860
- 9. Public Health (Master's Degree) $87,201
- 10. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $84,417
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $159,053—40% more than Chemical Engineering ($113,891). Graduate: Computer Engineering programs lead with $197,757 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for San Jose State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer Engineering (Master's Degree, 496 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 486 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 276 graduates)
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 260 graduates)
- Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 251 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (71 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Design and Applied Arts
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Sociology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Nutrition Sciences
- Applied Mathematics
- Political Science and Government
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Chemistry
- History
- Social Work
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Air Transportation
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Music
- Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
- Behavioral Sciences
- Industrial Engineering
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Security Science and Technology
- Journalism
- Chemical Engineering
- Dance
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Social Sciences, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- International/Globalization Studies
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Materials Engineering
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Geography and Cartography
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Engineering, General
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Psychology, Other
- Natural Sciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Master's Degrees (70 programs)▼
- Computer Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Social Work
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Computer Science
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Civil Engineering
- Engineering, General
- Industrial Engineering
- Human Computer Interaction
- Public Administration
- City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
- Taxation
- Communication and Media Studies
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Economics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Nutrition Sciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Statistics
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- History
- Chemical Engineering
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Anthropology
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Psychology, General
- Materials Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Music
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Education, General
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Applied Mathematics
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Marine Sciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies
- Natural Sciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
- Data Science
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (6 programs)▼
- Accounting and Related Services
- Taxation
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Industrial Engineering
- Computer Engineering
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 27,601
- Full-Time Students 82.1%
- Part-Time Students 17.9%
- Male Students 52.3%
- Female Students 47.7%
- Caucasian 12.3%
- Asian 38.8%
- Hispanic 32.5%
- Black 3.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 38.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects San Jose State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of San Jose State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does San Jose State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at San Jose State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: San Jose State University has a diverse student body, with 12.3% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does San Jose State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at San Jose State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
San Jose State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #221 overall with a 125.1% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $14,241 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $87,383 median earnings. The 67.7% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 86.8% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: San Jose State University's Strengths
Ranked #221 with an A- grade, San Jose State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like San Jose State University excel at providing affordable education ($14,241 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: San Jose State University's 86.8% retention and 67.7% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($87,383 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, San Jose State University's 125.1% ROI and $14,241 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 67.7% graduation rate sits 5.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 86.8% first-year retention is 10.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 125.1% return on investment is 75.2 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $87,383 run about 42% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $14,241 is roughly $5,640 lower than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 25:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 86.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.0% employment rate within three years sits 24.8 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
San Jose State University is a public university based in San Jose, CA and earns an A- overall grade. It stands at #221 among 1955 schools Category results include Completion (A-), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (A-), and Affordability (B+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 86.8% of first-year students return; 67.7% graduate within 150% of normal time, with an 8-year award rate of 77.5%. The reported ROI is 125.1%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $14,241 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $28,920.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $14,679 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 38.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $87,383 five years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 42% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 93.0%.
The ROI comes in near 125.1%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
84.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the San Jose State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). San Jose State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/san-jose-state-university/
MLA (9th): “San Jose State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/san-jose-state-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “San Jose State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/san-jose-state-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is San Jose State University's acceptance rate?
San Jose State University's acceptance rate is 84.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does San Jose State University cost?
At San Jose State University, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $14,241 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $28,920 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $8,846. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is San Jose State University's ranking?
San Jose State University ranks #221 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is San Jose State University's graduation rate?
At San Jose State University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 67.7% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 77.5%, and first-year retention is 86.8%.
What are San Jose State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of San Jose State University report median earnings of $87,383 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is San Jose State University's student population?
San Jose State University enrolls about 27,601 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0186
- Website www.sjsu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$182.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate3.5%