San Jose State vs. University of the People

Comparable Facts

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

University of the People is larger than San Jose State based on total student enrollment (41,961 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 the People is in Pasadena, California (Midsize City setting).
• San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the People is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: San Jose State University 25:1; University of the People 28:1.

San Jose State vs. University of the People Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, San Jose State or University of the People? 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 the People than San Jose State ($1,575 vs. $13,892).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the People are 90.5% lower than at San Jose State University ($2,001 vs. $20,971).
• San Jose State University is 500.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of the People (about $7,010 more per year; $8,410.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1,400.7% higher at San Jose State than at University of the People (about $19,610 more per year; $21,010.00 vs. $1,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the People than at San Jose State University (74% vs. 63%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Jose State University students is 1,104% larger than aid received by University of the People students ($12,353 vs. $1,026).

San Jose State vs. University of the People Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, San Jose State or University of the People? 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 University of the People and San Jose State.

• University of the People reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: San Jose State - Test-free; University of the People - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.

San Jose State vs. University of the People Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for San Jose State and University of the People? 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).

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.