CSU vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Chico in Chico, CA with San Jose State University in San Jose, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Jose State University is larger than CSU based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 15,257 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Chico is located in Chico, CA (Small City setting); San Jose State University is in San Jose, CA (Large City setting).
• California State University Chico is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Chico 23:1; San Jose State University 25:1.

CSU vs. San Jose State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or San Jose State? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at San Jose State University than CSU ($13,892 vs. $14,630).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California State University Chico are 21.3% lower than at San Jose State University ($16,500 vs. $20,971).
• California State University Chico is 0.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $62 more per year; $8,472.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.3% higher at CSU than at San Jose State University (about $62 more per year; $21,072.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Chico than at San Jose State University (66% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Jose State University students is 7.3% larger than aid received by California State University Chico students ($12,353 vs. $11,509).

CSU vs. San Jose State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU or San Jose State? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between San Jose State and CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Jose State University (1130) is 60 points higher than at CSU (1070).
• Incoming San Jose State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 970/1170; San Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California State University Chico 18/24; San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test-free; San Jose State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Dec 15, 2026; San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.37) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than San Jose State (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.2% at CSU vs. 14.7% at San Jose State.

CSU vs. San Jose State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and San Jose State? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California State University Chico's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $52,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($15,000 vs. $17,000).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($155 vs. $175).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 70%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.