San Jose State vs. ECU

Comparable Facts

Compare San Jose State University in San Jose, CA with East Carolina University in Greenville, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Jose State University is larger than ECU based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 26,940 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Jose State University is located in San Jose, CA (Large City setting); East Carolina University is in Greenville, NC (Small City setting).
• San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. East Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Jose State University 25:1; East Carolina University 17:1.

San Jose State vs. ECU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose State or ECU? 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 East Carolina University than San Jose State ($13,755 vs. $13,892).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Carolina University are 45% lower than at San Jose State University ($11,541 vs. $20,971).
• San Jose State University is 14.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECU (about $1,049 more per year; $8,410.00 vs. $7,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.5% higher at ECU than at San Jose State University (about $2,628 more per year; $23,638.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Jose State University than at East Carolina University (63% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Jose State University students is 26.4% larger than aid received by East Carolina University students ($12,353 vs. $9,776).

San Jose State vs. ECU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at East Carolina University (1160) is 30 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming ECU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 1010/1240; East Carolina University 1070/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26; East Carolina University 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); ECU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman San Jose State students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.35) than students at ECU (3.33).
• ECU has a higher acceptance rate (89.2%) than San Jose State (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 17.1% at ECU.

San Jose State vs. ECU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Jose State and ECU? 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).

• East Carolina University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $16,000 more per year than ECU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $9,788 lower median loan debt than ECU graduates ($15,000 vs. $24,788).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ECU graduates ($155 vs. $256).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 63%)

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.