San Jose State University: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes
San Jose, California · Public · Open access · CDS 2024-2025
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San Jose State University is a public university in San Jose, California that admits about 85% of applicants, making it a open access school. The average family pays about $13,760 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General and Communication and Media Studies, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. About 69% of students graduate within six years. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 2.7 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.
San Jose State University is a public institution located in San Jose, California. For the most recent reporting cycle, San Jose State University admits the majority of qualified applicants, with an overall admission rate of 85%. Admitted students typically post a median SAT around 1190. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $13,760 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.
What GPA does my child need for San Jose State University?
58% of enrolled students at San Jose State University had a high school GPA of 3.50 or above, and the average was 3.53, according to its 2024-2025 Common Data Set.
What does San Jose State University weight in admissions?
San Jose State University reports these factor weights in its Common Data Set (2024-2025). What the weights mean
- • Academic GPA
- • Geographical residence
- • State residency
SAT and ACT scores San Jose State University typically admits
Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.
| 25th percentile | 1090 |
| 50th percentile | 1190 |
| 75th percentile | 1330 |
| % submitting SAT | 10% |
| 25th percentile | 24 |
| 50th percentile | 25 |
| 75th percentile | 30 |
| % submitting ACT | 1% |
- • Test-blind: San Jose State University does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions, even if submitted.
- • Policy detail: Not considered
How much does San Jose State University actually cost?
Published tuition is $8,410 for in-state students and $21,010 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $20,971 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $13,760 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 35% of students receive Pell Grants.
| In-state tuition | $6,450 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,770 |
| Room and board | $17,523 |
| Average net price (after aid) | $13,760 |
| Application fee | $70 (waivers available) |
Application deadlines and early decision data for San Jose State University
| Regular deadline | 11/30 |
| Notification date | 15-Feb |
| Reply deadline | 1-May |
| Rolling admissions | Yes |
Will my child graduate from San Jose State University?
These predict outcomes at San Jose State University better than its acceptance rate does. How to read retention and graduation rates
Most popular majors at San Jose State University
The most popular undergraduate programs at San Jose State University, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General and Communication and Media Studies. Across all programs, San Jose State University confers roughly 3,871 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Business Administration, Management and Operations program report a median income of about $82,407 five years after entering college. What these figures mean
| Major | Graduates / year | Median earnings (5 yrs out) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 1,710 | $82,407 |
| Psychology, General | 582 | $65,246 |
| Communication and Media Studies | 309 | $67,114 |
| Computer Science | 288 | $160,714 |
| Public Health | 249 | — |
| Computer Engineering | 248 | $143,080 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 248 | $69,505 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 237 | $71,738 |
Is San Jose State University safe? Campus crime & safety
In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), San Jose State University disclosed 75 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 2.7 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 14 violent offenses and 9 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts
What is campus life like at San Jose State University?
About 17% of undergraduates at San Jose State University live in campus housing, so a meaningful share of students commute or live off campus. Residential rate and Greek participation shape day-to-day social life and are worth weighing alongside academics and cost.
Other colleges in California parents ask about
- San Francisco State University96% acceptance
- California State University-Long Beach46% acceptance
- California State University-Fullerton91% acceptance
- California State University-Northridge93% acceptance
- California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo31% acceptance
- California State Polytechnic University-Pomona75% acceptance
- California State University-Los Angeles91% acceptance
- California State University-Fresno95% acceptance
Next steps for San Jose State University
Common questions parents ask about San Jose State University
What GPA do I need for San Jose State University?
58% of enrolled students at San Jose State University had a high school GPA of 3.50 or above, and the average was 3.53, according to its 2024-2025 Common Data Set.
What SAT or ACT score does San Jose State University typically admit?
San Jose State University is test-blind: SAT and ACT scores are not considered in admission decisions, even if you submit them. There is no score range because scores are not read.
How much does San Jose State University actually cost after financial aid?
The average net price at San Jose State University after grants and scholarships is $13,760 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $8,410 and $21,010 out of state. Budget against the net figure.
Is San Jose State University realistic for my child?
San Jose State University admits 85% of applicants, so the transcript and course rigour carry the decision, with no published score band to place against. Then check the $13,760 average net price against what your family can carry.
What is the acceptance rate at San Jose State University?
San Jose State University accepts about 85% of applicants out of roughly 37,132 who apply each year. It admits the majority of qualified applicants.
Is San Jose State University test-optional?
San Jose State University is test-blind: it does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions, even if you submit them.
What is the graduation rate at San Jose State University?
About 69% of students at San Jose State University graduate within six years. 87% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Graduation rate predicts real outcomes better than acceptance rate.
What does San Jose State University look for in applicants?
San Jose State University rates GPA as "very important" in its Common Data Set. These are the factors the admissions committee weighs most heavily when reviewing an application.
Is San Jose State University a public or private school, and where is it located?
San Jose State University is a public institution located in San Jose, California.
What are the most popular majors at San Jose State University?
The largest undergraduate majors at San Jose State University by annual graduates are Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General and Communication and Media Studies. The school awards about 3,871 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.
Is San Jose State University safe? What is its campus crime rate?
San Jose State University reported 75 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 2.7 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.
What is campus life like at San Jose State University?
At San Jose State University, 17% of undergraduates live on campus, according to its most recent Common Data Set.
Sources: the 2024-2025 Common Data Set submitted by San Jose State University, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers