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Public University

San Jose State University

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.

80.2%ACCEPTANCE
$13,833AVG NET PRICE
65%GRAD RATE
36.1KSTUDENTS
University data profileIPEDS 2023

THE SIGNATURE

San Jose State University Report Card

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.

AT A GLANCE
TypePublicFour or more years
Founded1857
Settingcity154 acres
Calendarsemester

GETTING IN

Admissions

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.

SelectiveAccessible

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Nov 30regular

Undergraduate application fee $70.

WHAT IT COSTS

Cost & Financial Aid

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

$0–$30,000
$30,001–$48,000
$48,001–$75,000
$75,001–$110,000
$110,001+

AVERAGE NET PRICE AFTER AID

$13,833/yr

▼ 5% since 2020-2157% receive aid

Average aid package $10,367.

IN THE CLASSROOM

Academics

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

MOST POPULAR FIELDS OF STUDY

Business Administration and Management, General.24.2%
Psychology, General.7.1%
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.4%
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.3.8%
Computer Science.3.6%
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.3.2%

CAMPUS LIFE

Campus & Housing

Campus housing shows how many students live on-campus — which means nearby housing can be essential to the college experience.

San Jose State University campus and student housing

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

SJSU vs. peer institutions

How SJSU compares with officially identified or editorially reviewed peer institutions.

San Jose State University
$13,833
Santa Clara University
$49,651
San Diego State University
$19,500
California State University, Los Angeles
$4,551

AFTER GRADUATION

Student outcomes

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.

Neighborhoods near SJSU

Where students live around San Jose State University — vibe, walkability, and commute at a glance.

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Data Sources: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS, National Center for Education Statistics. University Apartments is not affiliated with San Jose State University.