San Jose State vs. Simpson University

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than Simpson University based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 992 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Jose State University is located in San Jose, CA (Large City setting); Simpson University is in Redding, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Jose State University 25:1; Simpson University 17:1.

San Jose State vs. Simpson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose State or Simpson University? 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 Simpson University ($13,892 vs. $28,653).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson University are 43.3% lower than at San Jose State University ($11,900 vs. $20,971).
• Simpson University is 372.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $31,298 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89% higher at Simpson University than at San Jose State University (about $18,698 more per year; $39,708.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simpson University than at San Jose State University (100% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson University students is 110% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($25,937 vs. $12,353).

San Jose State vs. Simpson University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Jose State University (1130) is 60 points higher than at Simpson University (1070).
• Incoming Simpson University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 1010/1240; Simpson University 960/1185.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26; Simpson University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; Simpson University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026; Simpson University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• Simpson University has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than San Jose State (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 24.2% at Simpson University.

San Jose State vs. Simpson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Jose State and Simpson University? 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 Simpson University's (43%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $21,700 more per year than Simpson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $38,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $1,668 lower median loan debt than Simpson University graduates ($15,000 vs. $16,668).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson University graduates ($155 vs. $172).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simpson University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 67%)

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.