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San Jose State University

San Jose, CA·Public·26,757 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want a large campus community. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $63,800 within 10 years.

80%
Accept
26,757
Students
N/A
Net Price
65%
Grad Rate
$63,800
Earnings
10 yr
$15,000
Debt

About This School

San Jose State University is a public institution located in San Jose, California with approximately 26,757 undergraduate students enrolled. San Jose State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 80%. In-state tuition is $7,992 per year. The graduation rate is 65%, and the typical graduate earns $63,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

San José State University is a public research university in San Jose, California, United States. Established in 1857 as the state's first normal school, it is the oldest public university in the western United States and is the founding campus of the California State University system.

The oldest public university in the western U.S., this Silicon Valley school offers real career proximity to tech and engineering employers, reflected in a solid median salary of $63,800 ten years out — with relatively low debt at $15,000. That said, a 65% graduation rate is worth taking seriously, meaning about 1 in 3 students who start here don't finish, so come in with a clear plan and support system. Worth considering if you're pursuing a technical or business field and want an affordable California public school with direct access to the Bay Area job market.

Founded
1857

Notable Alumni

Dian FosseyStevie NicksGordon MooreLou Henry HooverAmy TanPaul KantnerMary BlairKurtwood SmithRay DolbyTommie SmithKevin PollakJan Koum

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$7,992
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,872
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants35%
Median debt at graduation$15,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
65%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
86%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$63,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$47,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$63,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.3x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White13%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino32%
Asian39%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (26,757 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

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Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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