San Jose State vs. University of Nevada-Reno

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than University of Nevada-Reno based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 23,024 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Jose State University is located in San Jose, CA (Large City setting); University of Nevada Reno is in Reno, NV (Midsize City setting).
• San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Nevada Reno is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Jose State University 25:1; University of Nevada Reno 17:1.

San Jose State vs. University of Nevada-Reno Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose State or University of Nevada-Reno? 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 University of Nevada-Reno ($13,892 vs. $17,226).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Nevada Reno are 30.9% lower than at San Jose State University ($14,496 vs. $20,971).
• University of Nevada Reno is 13.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $1,168 more per year; $9,578.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.9% higher at University of Nevada-Reno than at San Jose State University (about $6,710 more per year; $27,720.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Nevada Reno than at San Jose State University (93% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Jose State University students is 67.5% larger than aid received by University of Nevada Reno students ($12,353 vs. $7,375).

San Jose State vs. University of Nevada-Reno Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Jose State or University of Nevada-Reno? 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 University of Nevada-Reno and San Jose State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Nevada Reno (1180) is 50 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 University of Nevada-Reno (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 1010/1240; University of Nevada Reno 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26; University of Nevada Reno 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; University of Nevada-Reno - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026; University of Nevada-Reno Apr 7, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Nevada-Reno students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than University of Nevada-Reno (73.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 26.5% at University of Nevada-Reno.

San Jose State vs. University of Nevada-Reno Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Jose State and University of Nevada-Reno? 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).

• University of Nevada Reno's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than University of Nevada-Reno graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $53,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $3,801 lower median loan debt than University of Nevada-Reno graduates ($15,000 vs. $18,801).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Nevada-Reno graduates ($155 vs. $194).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Nevada-Reno students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 64%)

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.