Northeastern University Oakland vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern University Oakland in Oakland, CA with San Jose State University in San Jose, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

San Jose State University is larger than Northeastern University Oakland based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 640 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University Oakland is located in Oakland, CA (Large City setting); San Jose State University is in San Jose, CA (Large City setting).
• Northeastern University Oakland is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University Oakland 7:1; San Jose State University 25:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern University Oakland are 6.6% lower than at San Jose State University ($19,580 vs. $20,971).
• Out-of-state tuition is 222.6% higher at Northeastern University Oakland than at San Jose State University (about $46,768 more per year; $67,778 vs. $21,010).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University Oakland than at San Jose State University (67% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University Oakland students is 369.1% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($57,948 vs. $12,353).

Admissions details

• Typical ACT composite is 10 points higher at Northeastern University Oakland than at San Jose State (32 vs. 22, midpoint estimate).
• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at Northeastern University Oakland, test-free at San Jose State.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Enrolled first-year students at Northeastern University Oakland average a 3.57 high school GPA, 0.22 higher than at San Jose State (3.35).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.9% at Northeastern University Oakland vs. 14.7% at San Jose State.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($15,000 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $87 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($155 vs. $242).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern University Oakland students, three years after graduation (73% vs. 66%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.