ACCEPTANCE RATE
80.2%
More selective than 33% of listed universities.
San Jose State University, located in California's Silicon Valley, is a vibrant public institution dedicated to providing top-notch education and rich student experiences.

THE SIGNATURE
Explore university facts, programs, and campus life at a glance.
Founded in 1857, San Jose State University (SJSU) is the oldest institution of higher education in California. It is located in San Jose, the 10th largest city in the United States, and serves a diverse student population of over 36,000. As a key player in Silicon Valley, SJSU emphasizes innovation and practical education, offering a range of academic programs that include online, hybrid, and in-person options.
SJSU is more than just an educational institution; it is a dynamic community where students can thrive. The campus supports a vibrant student life with over 450 organizations and Division I athletics, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement. With its strategic focus on serving Hispanic students and enhancing diversity through initiatives like Transformation 2030, SJSU aims to prepare all students for a successful future in a globally connected world.
GETTING IN
San Jose State University has a competitive yet accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 80.2%. Each year, approximately 35,780 applicants seek to join the SJSU community, reflecting the university's strong appeal among prospective students.
Source: IPEDS 2023
ACCEPTANCE RATE
80.2%
More selective than 33% of listed universities.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Undergraduate application fee $70.
WHAT IT COSTS
Sticker price tells you little — net price after aid is what most families actually pay.
Source: IPEDS 2023
IN-STATE TUITION & FEES
$7,992/yr
Out-of-state: $7,992/yr.
Net price by income band
AVERAGE NET PRICE AFTER AID
$13,833/yr
Average grant or scholarship aid $10,367.
IN THE CLASSROOM
SJSU offers a comprehensive array of 96 undergraduate majors, emphasizing hands-on learning and research. The university is known for its innovative programs and commitment to providing students with the skills and experiences essential for success in today's diverse job market.
Source: IPEDS 2023
Student–faculty ratio
18:1
17.9% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
6-year graduation rate
65%
▲ 3 pts since 2016
First-year retention
86%
Median across 34 institutions in our national dataset: 89%.
Bachelor-level fields offered
96
Bachelor-level fields reported as offered in IPEDS
Share of bachelor's degree completions, not of all enrolled students.
CAMPUS LIFE
Reported capacity of institution-controlled housing and campus setting. Capacity does not indicate how many students currently live in university housing.

University-controlled housing capacity
4,261
Includes institution-controlled housing; it may extend beyond campus.
Setting
city 154 acres
AFTER GRADUATION
Earnings and employment of former students after entering the university.
Source: College Scorecard 2023
Median earnings · 10 yrs after entry
$78,988
Median earnings of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Working after 10 yrs
91.5%
Share of former students working and not enrolled, ten years after entry.
Earning more than a high-school graduate
85.9%
85.9% of former students earn above the Scorecard high-school earnings threshold, ten years after entry.
Where students live around San Jose State University — vibe, walkability, and commute at a glance.
Data Sources: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS, National Center for Education Statistics, and College Scorecard. University Apartments is not affiliated with San Jose State University.