San Jose State University campus

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San Jose State Demographics & Diversity

  • 5/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • San Jose, CA
  • 5.0 3 reviews
#13 Best Public Universities in California
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Racial Demographics & Diversity

Racial Diversity

Racial Diversity

Very High

Racial Diversity Index: 74%

Racial diversity is the chance that two students chosen at random are from different racial or ethnic groups, using the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index. Students at San Jose State are predominantly Asian with a sizeable Hispanic population. The school has very high racial diversity. 81% percent of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The ethnic breakdown is detailed in the following table.

The college is an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and is recognized for serving Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islanders.

Racial demographics of San Jose State University students
Race Percent of Students
White
19%
Black
3%
Hispanic
26%
Asian
36%
American Indian / Alaskan
0%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5%
International
6%
Race Unknown
4%

Gender Demographics & Diversity

Gender Diversity

Gender Diversity

Very High

Gender Diversity Index: 50%

There are 6% more female students than male students enrolled at San Jose State University with a gender ratio of 51% women to 49% men. Compared to the US average of 56% female students, San Jose State has a higher gender diversity than other US colleges and is very inclusive of both genders.

Male to female gender ratio for San Jose State University students
Gender Percent of Students
Men
49%
Women
51%
Enrollment by gender for San Jose State University students
Gender Number of Students
Men
18,280
Women
19,381

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Geographic Diversity

Extremely Low

Geographic Diversity Index: 3%

San Jose State draws 97 percent of students from California, 1 percent from other states, and 2 percent from other countries. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside California, including other U.S. states and other countries.

Enrollment by geographic location for San Jose State University students
Origin Percent of Students
In State
97%
Out of State
1%
Foreign
2%
Unknown Location
0%

Economic Diversity

Median Household Income

Median Household Income

$88,589 per year

37% of students can be considered low-income as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Total Enrollment

Total Enrollment

Total enrollment

37,661
Share of undergraduates by age and part-time status
Segment Percent of Students
Students Over 25 Years Old 19.7%
Part-time undergraduates 19.1%

Other Colleges to Consider

Students applying to San Jose State University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=122755.

Racial and gender diversity ratings use the U.S. Census Bureau Diversity Index (Gini-Simpson): the probability that two students chosen at random belong to different groups. See the Census method note, Measuring Racial and Ethnic Diversity for the 2020 Census. Geographic diversity is the share of students from outside the college's home state (other U.S. states plus international). IPEDS does not publish enrollment by individual state of residence.

Last updated: August 2026