San Jose State University

5/10 Overall Rating
4 Year
San Jose, CA
5.0 3 reviews

#13 Best Public Universities in California

Overview Admission Cost Majors Diversity Outcomes Salaries Location Compare Reviews Admission Calculator

Overview

Total enrollment

37,661

Location San Jose, California
Website sjsu.edu
Type Public 4 Year
Setting Large City

Size Large
Status Non-profit
Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

San Jose State University, located in downtown San Jose, California, serves as a major public institution in the heart of Silicon Valley. Founded in 1857 as California's first public institution of higher education, the urban campus spans 154 acres and combines modern facilities with historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. SJSU's academic programs emphasize engineering, business, computer science, and nursing, with strong connections to nearby tech industry employers. The campus houses approximately 4,000 students in its residence halls and apartments, while the majority of students commute from the surrounding Bay Area. As part of the NCAA Division I Mountain West Conference, SJSU's Spartans compete in 22 varsity sports, with their football program being among the oldest on the West Coast.

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Ratings

San Jose State is rated within the lower 49% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10.

Overall Rating

5 out of 10
Academics

5 out of 10
Resources

3 out of 10
Outcomes

7 out of 10
Value

5 out of 10

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Rankings

Rankings for San Jose State University within the 2027 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

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Admissions

Admission Standards

Moderate

Acceptance Rate

84.6%

Applications Due Dec 15, 2026
Enrollment Rate 14.7%
Application Fee $70

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

California Resident Tuition

$8,410

Out of State Resident Tuition

$21,010

Breakdown

Tuition $8,410
Books and Supplies $1,062
Other Fees $2,326
Room and Board $20,971
Budget for Other Expenses $4,446
Total One Year Cost $37,215

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Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$59,900 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

46% within 6 years

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Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at San Jose State University are Business, Visual and Performing Arts, and Health Professions. 30% of students major in Business, 8% in Visual and Performing Arts, and 8% in Health Professions.