USF vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than USF based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 8,913 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of San Francisco is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); San Jose State University is in San Jose, CA (Large City setting).
• University of San Francisco is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of San Francisco 11:1; San Jose State University 25:1.

USF vs. San Jose State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USF or San Jose State? 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 USF ($13,892 vs. $45,443).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of San Francisco are 5.8% lower than at San Jose State University ($19,764 vs. $20,971).
• University of San Francisco is 619.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $52,082 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 187.9% higher at USF than at San Jose State University (about $39,482 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of San Francisco than at San Jose State University (95% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of San Francisco students is 181.1% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($34,723 vs. $12,353).

USF vs. San Jose State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of San Francisco (1290) is 160 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming USF 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: University of San Francisco 1190/1390; San Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 25/30; San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USF - Test optional; San Jose State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: USF Jan 15, 2027; San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman USF students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than USF (61.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6% at USF vs. 14.7% at San Jose State.

USF vs. San Jose State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USF and San Jose State? 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 San Francisco's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from University of San Francisco earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than San Jose State graduates about ten years after starting college ($70,400 vs. $59,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than USF graduates ($15,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USF graduates ($155 vs. $258).
• More USF graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Jose State students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.