Overview
Enrollment
| Location | San Jose, California |
| Online | sjsu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
San Jose State University, located in downtown San Jose, California, serves as a major public institution in the heart of Silicon Valley. Founded in 1857 as California's first public institution of higher education, the urban campus spans 154 acres and combines modern facilities with historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. SJSU's academic programs emphasize engineering, business, computer science, and nursing, with strong connections to nearby tech industry employers. The campus houses approximately 4,000 students in its residence halls and apartments, while the majority of students commute from the surrounding Bay Area. As part of the NCAA Division I Mountain West Conference, SJSU's Spartans compete in 22 varsity sports, with their football program being among the oldest on the West Coast.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
San Jose State is rated within the top 49% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for San Jose State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#571 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#180 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#40 in Best Colleges in California
#13 in Best Public Colleges in California
#493 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#35 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1010/1240 |
| ACT | 19/26 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.35 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Dec 15, 2024 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $70 |
Annual Cost to Attend
California Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $938 |
| Other Fees | $2,250 |
| Room and Board | $19,866 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,514 |
| Total One Year Cost | $32,310 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $938 |
| Other Fees | $2,250 |
| Room and Board | $19,866 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,514 |
| Total One Year Cost | $44,190 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 30% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 8% |
| Health Professions | 8% |
| Social Sciences | 7% |
| Engineering | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering San Jose State are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=122755 IPEDS survey data for San Jose State University.
Current students may use the San Jose State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025