San Jose State vs. USC

Comparable Facts

Compare San Jose State University in San Jose, CA with University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Southern California is larger than San Jose State based on total student enrollment (46,566 students vs. 37,661 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• San Jose State University is located in San Jose, CA (Large City setting); University of Southern California is in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting).
• San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Southern California is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Jose State University 25:1; University of Southern California 9:1.

San Jose State vs. USC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose State or USC? 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 USC ($13,892 vs. $43,412).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Southern California are 5% lower than at San Jose State University ($19,931 vs. $20,971).
• University of Southern California is 757.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $63,687 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 243.2% higher at USC than at San Jose State University (about $51,087 more per year; $72,097.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Southern California than at San Jose State University (70% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Southern California students is 279.6% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($46,897 vs. $12,353).

San Jose State vs. USC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Southern California (1500) is 370 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming USC students have a 11 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 1010/1240; University of Southern California 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26; University of Southern California 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; USC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman USC students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than USC (9.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at San Jose State vs. 43.3% at USC.

San Jose State vs. USC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• University of Southern California's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from University of Southern California earn a median of about $25,600 more per year than San Jose State graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,500 vs. $59,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, San Jose State University graduates have a $7,375 lower median loan debt than USC graduates ($15,000 vs. $22,375).
• Among borrowers, San Jose State graduates have an estimated $76 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC graduates ($155 vs. $231).
• More USC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Jose State students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.