San Jose State vs. SCU

Comparable Facts

Compare San Jose State University in San Jose, CA with Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Jose State University is larger than SCU based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 9,728 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Jose State University is located in San Jose, CA (Large City setting); Santa Clara University is in Santa Clara, CA (Midsize City setting).
• San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Santa Clara University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Jose State University 25:1; Santa Clara University 11:1.

San Jose State vs. SCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose State or SCU? 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 San Jose State University than SCU ($13,892 vs. $53,883).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Santa Clara University are 5.1% lower than at San Jose State University ($19,893 vs. $20,971).
• Santa Clara University is 628.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $52,883 more per year; $61,293.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 191.7% higher at SCU than at San Jose State University (about $40,283 more per year; $61,293.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Santa Clara University than at San Jose State University (71% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Santa Clara University students is 129.6% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($28,368 vs. $12,353).

San Jose State vs. SCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Santa Clara University (1420) is 290 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming SCU students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 1010/1240; Santa Clara University 1350/1490.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26; Santa Clara University 31/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; SCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026; SCU Jan 7, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SCU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than SCU (48%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 17.7% at SCU.

San Jose State vs. SCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Santa Clara University's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from Santa Clara University earn a median of about $22,000 more per year than San Jose State graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,900 vs. $59,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than SCU graduates ($15,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCU graduates ($155 vs. $222).
• More SCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Jose State students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 73%)

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.