Oxy vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

Compare Occidental College in Los Angeles, 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 Oxy based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Occidental College is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting); San Jose State University is in San Jose, CA (Large City setting).
• Occidental College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Occidental College 9:1; San Jose State University 25:1.

Oxy vs. San Jose State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oxy 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 Oxy ($13,892 vs. $48,400).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Occidental College are 8.2% lower than at San Jose State University ($19,252 vs. $20,971).
• Occidental College is 688% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $57,864 more per year; $66,274.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 215.4% higher at Oxy than at San Jose State University (about $45,264 more per year; $66,274.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Occidental College than at San Jose State University (75% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Occidental College students is 194.7% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($36,400 vs. $12,353).

Oxy vs. San Jose State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Oxy 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 Oxy.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Occidental College (1450) is 320 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming Oxy 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: Occidental College 1380/1520; San Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Occidental College 31/34; San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oxy - Test optional; San Jose State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Oxy Jan 10, 2027; San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Oxy students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Oxy (44.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.8% at Oxy vs. 14.7% at San Jose State.

Oxy vs. San Jose State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oxy 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).

• Occidental College's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Oxy graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $56,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $8,652 lower median loan debt than Oxy graduates ($15,000 vs. $23,652).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $89 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Oxy graduates ($155 vs. $244).
• More Oxy graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Jose State students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 73%)

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.