Northeastern University Oakland vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern University Oakland in Oakland, 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 Northeastern University Oakland based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Northeastern University Oakland vs. San Jose State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern University Oakland 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 Northeastern University Oakland ($13,892 vs. $27,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern University Oakland are 6.6% lower than at San Jose State University ($19,580 vs. $20,971).
• Northeastern University Oakland is 705.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $59,368 more per year; $67,778.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 222.6% higher at Northeastern University Oakland than at San Jose State University (about $46,768 more per year; $67,778.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University Oakland than at San Jose State University (67% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University Oakland students is 369.1% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($57,948 vs. $12,353).

Northeastern University Oakland vs. San Jose State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern University Oakland 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 Northeastern University Oakland.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University Oakland (1470) is 340 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming Northeastern University Oakland students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University Oakland 1420/1520; San Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University Oakland 32/33; San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern University Oakland - Test optional; San Jose State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern University Oakland students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Northeastern University Oakland (16.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.9% at Northeastern University Oakland vs. 14.7% at San Jose State.

Northeastern University Oakland vs. San Jose State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern University Oakland 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).

• Northeastern University Oakland's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $15,500 more per year than Northeastern University Oakland graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($15,000 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $87 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($155 vs. $242).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern University Oakland students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 66%)

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.