ACCEPTANCE RATE
80.2%
More selective than 66% of listed universities.
San Jose State University, located in California's Silicon Valley, is a vibrant public institution dedicated to providing top-notch education and rich student experiences.

THE SIGNATURE
Explore university facts, programs, and campus life at a glance.
Founded in 1857, San Jose State University (SJSU) is the oldest institution of higher education in California. It is located in San Jose, the 10th largest city in the United States, and serves a diverse student population of over 36,000. As a key player in Silicon Valley, SJSU emphasizes innovation and practical education, offering a range of academic programs that include online, hybrid, and in-person options.
SJSU is more than just an educational institution; it is a dynamic community where students can thrive. The campus supports a vibrant student life with over 450 organizations and Division I athletics, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement. With its strategic focus on serving Hispanic students and enhancing diversity through initiatives like Transformation 2030, SJSU aims to prepare all students for a successful future in a globally connected world.
GETTING IN
San Jose State University has a competitive yet accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 80.2%. Each year, approximately 35,780 applicants seek to join the SJSU community, reflecting the university's strong appeal among prospective students.
Source: IPEDS 2023
ACCEPTANCE RATE
80.2%
More selective than 66% of listed universities.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Undergraduate application fee $70.
WHAT IT COSTS
Sticker price tells you little — net price after aid is what most families actually pay.
Source: IPEDS 2023
IN-STATE TUITION & FEES
$7,992/yr
Out-of-state: $7,992/yr.
Net price by income band
AVERAGE NET PRICE AFTER AID
$13,833/yr
Average aid package $10,367.
IN THE CLASSROOM
SJSU offers a comprehensive array of 96 undergraduate majors, emphasizing hands-on learning and research. The university is known for its innovative programs and commitment to providing students with the skills and experiences essential for success in today's diverse job market.
Source: IPEDS 2023
Student–faculty ratio
18:1
17.9% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
6-year graduation rate
65%
▲ 3 pts since 2016
First-year retention
86%
Compared with the 89% public-university median.
Undergrad majors
96
Undergraduate majors and programs
CAMPUS LIFE
Campus housing shows how many students live on-campus — which means nearby housing can be essential to the college experience.

On-campus beds
4,261
Housing for approximately 15% of students.
Students needing off-campus housing
30.7K
Estimated from enrollment and reported on-campus housing capacity.
Setting
city
154 campus acres.
IN CONTEXT
How SJSU compares with officially identified or editorially reviewed peer institutions.
AFTER GRADUATION
What graduates earn and how reliably they land work — the bottom-line return on the degree.
Source: College Scorecard 2023
Median earnings · 10 yrs after entry
$78,988
Working after 10 yrs
91.5%
Share of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Earning more than a high-school graduate
85.9%
85.9% of students out-earn the typical high-school graduate — a core measure of mobility.
Where students live around San Jose State University — vibe, walkability, and commute at a glance.
Data Sources: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS, National Center for Education Statistics. University Apartments is not affiliated with San Jose State University.