San Jose State vs. Westmont College

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than Westmont College based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 1,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Jose State University is located in San Jose, CA (Large City setting); Westmont College is in Santa Barbara, CA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Westmont College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Jose State University 25:1; Westmont College 10:1.

San Jose State vs. Westmont College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose State or Westmont College? 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 Westmont College ($13,892 vs. $32,172).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Westmont College are 19.1% lower than at San Jose State University ($16,960 vs. $20,971).
• Westmont College is 537.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $45,174 more per year; $53,584.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 155% higher at Westmont College than at San Jose State University (about $32,574 more per year; $53,584.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Westmont College than at San Jose State University (100% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Westmont College students is 215.4% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($38,956 vs. $12,353).

San Jose State vs. Westmont College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Westmont College (1350) is 220 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming Westmont College students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 1010/1240; Westmont College 1240/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26; Westmont College 25/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; Westmont College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Westmont College students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Westmont College (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 15.9% at Westmont College.

San Jose State vs. Westmont College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Westmont College's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Westmont College graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $54,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $10,123 lower median loan debt than Westmont College graduates ($15,000 vs. $25,123).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $104 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Westmont College graduates ($155 vs. $259).
• More Westmont College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Jose State students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.