San Jose State vs. BSU

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than BSU based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 21,089 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Jose State University is located in San Jose, CA (Large City setting); Ball State University is in Muncie, IN (Small City setting).
• San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Jose State University 25:1; Ball State University 14:1.

San Jose State vs. BSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose State or BSU? 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 Ball State University than San Jose State ($13,599 vs. $13,892).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ball State University are 41.2% lower than at San Jose State University ($12,334 vs. $20,971).
• Ball State University is 31.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $2,672 more per year; $11,082.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41% higher at BSU than at San Jose State University (about $8,620 more per year; $29,630.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ball State University than at San Jose State University (77% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ball State University students is 7% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($13,218 vs. $12,353).

San Jose State vs. BSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Jose State or BSU? 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 BSU and San Jose State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 40 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming San Jose State students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at BSU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 1010/1240; Ball State University 1080/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26; Ball State University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; BSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman BSU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• BSU has a higher acceptance rate (85.5%) than San Jose State (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 20.4% at BSU.

San Jose State vs. BSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Jose State and BSU? 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).

• Ball State University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $17,400 more per year than BSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $42,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than BSU graduates ($15,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BSU graduates ($155 vs. $258).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BSU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 63%)

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.