Golden Gate University vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

Compare Golden Gate University in San Francisco, 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 Golden Gate University based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 3,098 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Golden Gate University is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); San Jose State University is in San Jose, CA (Large City setting).
• Golden Gate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Golden Gate University 7:1; San Jose State University 25:1.

Golden Gate University vs. San Jose State Cost Comparison

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

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Golden Gate University are 37.1% lower than at San Jose State University ($13,200 vs. $20,971).
• Golden Gate University is 268.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $22,578 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.5% higher at Golden Gate University than at San Jose State University (about $9,978 more per year; $30,988.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Jose State University than at Golden Gate University (63% vs. 0%).

Golden Gate University vs. San Jose State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Golden Gate University 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 Golden Gate University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSan Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSan Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Golden Gate University - Not reported; San Jose State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.

Golden Gate University vs. San Jose State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Golden Gate University 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).

• Graduates from Golden Gate University earn a median of about $16,500 more per year than San Jose State graduates about ten years after starting college ($76,400 vs. $59,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $14,839 lower median loan debt than Golden Gate University graduates ($15,000 vs. $29,839).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $153 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Golden Gate University graduates ($155 vs. $308).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Golden Gate University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 57%)

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.