San Jose State vs. Kent State

Comparable Facts

Compare San Jose State University in San Jose, CA with Kent State University at Kent in Kent, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Jose State University is larger than Kent State based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 26,374 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Jose State University is located in San Jose, CA (Large City setting); Kent State University at Kent is in Kent, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kent State University at Kent is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Jose State University 25:1; Kent State University at Kent 20:1.

San Jose State vs. Kent State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose State or Kent 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 Kent State ($13,892 vs. $21,278).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kent State University at Kent are 34.2% lower than at San Jose State University ($13,794 vs. $20,971).
• Kent State University at Kent is 57.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $4,822 more per year; $13,232.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.9% higher at Kent State than at San Jose State University (about $2,072 more per year; $23,082.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kent State University at Kent than at San Jose State University (95% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Jose State University students is 22.6% larger than aid received by Kent State University at Kent students ($12,353 vs. $10,076).

San Jose State vs. Kent State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Jose State University (1130) is the same as at Kent State (1130).
• Incoming San Jose State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Kent State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 1010/1240; Kent State University at Kent 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26; Kent State University at Kent 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; Kent State - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026; Kent State Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kent State students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• Kent State has a higher acceptance rate (86.3%) than San Jose State (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 20.3% at Kent State.

San Jose State vs. Kent State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Jose State and Kent 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).

• Kent State University at Kent's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $19,600 more per year than Kent State graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $10,825 lower median loan debt than Kent State graduates ($15,000 vs. $25,825).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $112 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kent State graduates ($155 vs. $267).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kent State students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 46%)

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.