San Jose State vs. Stanford

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than Stanford based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 18,625 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Jose State University is located in San Jose, CA (Large City setting); Stanford University is in Stanford, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Stanford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Jose State University 25:1; Stanford University 6:1.

San Jose State vs. Stanford Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose State or Stanford? 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 Stanford ($13,892 vs. $25,078).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at San Jose State University are 1.6% lower than at Stanford University ($20,971 vs. $21,315).
• Stanford University is 683.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $57,500 more per year; $65,910.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 213.7% higher at Stanford than at San Jose State University (about $44,900 more per year; $65,910.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Jose State University than at Stanford University (63% vs. 61%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Stanford University students is 408% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($62,755 vs. $12,353).

San Jose State vs. Stanford Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stanford University (1550) is 420 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming Stanford students have a 12 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 1010/1240; Stanford University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26; Stanford University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; Stanford - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026; Stanford Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Stanford students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Stanford (3.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 81.9% at Stanford.

San Jose State vs. Stanford Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Stanford University's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from Stanford University earn a median of about $63,000 more per year than San Jose State graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $59,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Stanford University graduates have a $2,525 lower median loan debt than San Jose State graduates ($12,475 vs. $15,000).
• Among borrowers, Stanford graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than San Jose State graduates ($128 vs. $155).
• More Stanford graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Jose State students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.