PublicUrbanSan Jose State University
San Jose, California 95192-0186
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Strong graduate outcomes — known for business
San Jose State University is a public institution in San Jose with particular strength in business and engineering.
A large campus of 26.8K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
65% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $78,988 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $13,741.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Spartans
History & Fun Facts
- •Minns to be the principal for the nascent institution The normal school began operations in 1857 and became known as the Minns Evening Normal School.
- •On May 2, 1862, the California State Senate elected to fund a state normal school and to appoint a board of trustees.
- •The California State Normal School was then opened on July 21, 1862.
- •The school moved to San Jose in 1871 and was given Washington Square Park at S.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
79.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
1.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,000
Programs (176)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
86%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
202
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CA state average + large city premium