San Jose State vs. Whittier College

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than Whittier College based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 795 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Jose State University is located in San Jose, CA (Large City setting); Whittier College is in Whittier, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Whittier College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Jose State University 25:1; Whittier College 8:1.

San Jose State vs. Whittier College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose State or Whittier 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 Whittier College ($13,892 vs. $28,101).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Whittier College are 18.5% lower than at San Jose State University ($17,082 vs. $20,971).
• Whittier College is 510.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $42,940 more per year; $51,350.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 144.4% higher at Whittier College than at San Jose State University (about $30,340 more per year; $51,350.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Whittier College than at San Jose State University (99% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whittier College students is 192.9% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($36,176 vs. $12,353).

San Jose State vs. Whittier College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Whittier College (1240) is 110 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming Whittier College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 1010/1240; Whittier College 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26; Whittier College 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; Whittier College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Whittier College students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Whittier College (80.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 5.4% at Whittier College.

San Jose State vs. Whittier College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Whittier College's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $12,500 more per year than Whittier College graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $10,500 lower median loan debt than Whittier College graduates ($15,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $108 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Whittier College graduates ($155 vs. $263).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Whittier College students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 69%)

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.