San Jose State vs. UNLV

Comparable Facts

Compare San Jose State University in San Jose, CA with University of Nevada Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

San Jose State University is larger than UNLV based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 32,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Jose State University is located in San Jose, CA (Large City setting); University of Nevada Las Vegas is in Las Vegas, NV (Midsize City setting).
• San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Nevada Las Vegas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Jose State University 25:1; University of Nevada Las Vegas 19:1.

San Jose State vs. UNLV Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose State or UNLV? 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 University of Nevada Las Vegas than San Jose State ($11,553 vs. $13,892).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Nevada Las Vegas are 39.8% lower than at San Jose State University ($12,628 vs. $20,971).
• University of Nevada Las Vegas is 15.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $1,338 more per year; $9,748.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.5% higher at UNLV than at San Jose State University (about $6,401 more per year; $27,411.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Nevada Las Vegas than at San Jose State University (90% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Jose State University students is 60.1% larger than aid received by University of Nevada Las Vegas students ($12,353 vs. $7,717).

San Jose State vs. UNLV Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at San Jose State University (1130) is the same as at UNLV (1130).
• Incoming San Jose State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at UNLV).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 1010/1240; University of Nevada Las Vegas 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26; University of Nevada Las Vegas 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; UNLV - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026; UNLV Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UNLV students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• UNLV has a higher acceptance rate (96.2%) than San Jose State (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 36.2% at UNLV.

San Jose State vs. UNLV Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• San Jose State University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than University of Nevada Las Vegas's (40%).
• Graduates from San Jose State University earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than UNLV graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,900 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $4,018 lower median loan debt than UNLV graduates ($15,000 vs. $19,018).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UNLV graduates ($155 vs. $196).
• More San Jose State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNLV students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 52%)

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.