PUC vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

Compare Pacific Union College in Angwin, 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 PUC based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 974 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pacific Union College is located in Angwin, CA (Rural Fringe setting); San Jose State University is in San Jose, CA (Large City setting).
• Pacific Union 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: Pacific Union College 12:1; San Jose State University 25:1.

PUC vs. San Jose State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, PUC 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 PUC ($13,892 vs. $22,767).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Pacific Union College are 53.2% lower than at San Jose State University ($9,816 vs. $20,971).
• Pacific Union College is 342% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $28,763 more per year; $37,173.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.9% higher at PUC than at San Jose State University (about $16,163 more per year; $37,173.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pacific Union College than at San Jose State University (100% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Union College students is 115.6% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($26,629 vs. $12,353).

PUC vs. San Jose State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, PUC 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 PUC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Jose State University (1130) is 70 points higher than at PUC (1060).
• Incoming PUC students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at San Jose State (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Union College 930/1190; San Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pacific Union College 20/24; San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: PUC - Test-free; San Jose State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Jose State students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.35) than students at PUC (3.24).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than PUC (47.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14% at PUC vs. 14.7% at San Jose State.

PUC vs. San Jose State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for PUC 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).

• San Jose State University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Pacific Union College's (45%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $700 more per year than PUC graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $59,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $15,000 lower median loan debt than PUC graduates ($15,000 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PUC graduates ($155 vs. $310).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former PUC 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.