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Colleges / CA / San Jose
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San Jose State University

Public San Jose, CA · Urban · Far West · 93% data reported · Agent Insights
67%
Graduation Rate
$78,988
Earnings (10yr)
$13,760
Net Price
85%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

San Jose State University has an impressive enrollment of 27,601 students, making it one of the largest public universities in California. This size translates into diverse opportunities for engagement and networking within a vibrant campus community. The acceptance rate stands at 85%, allowing a wide range of students to pursue their academic goals.

Graduates from San Jose State experience strong earning potential. The median salary ten years after graduation is $78,988, indicating that many alumni find successful careers in their fields. Although specific mobility metrics are not available, the university's location in Silicon Valley offers unique access to tech and business opportunities, likely enhancing upward mobility for its graduates.

In terms of cost, San Jose State has a net price of $13,760, which is relatively affordable compared to many institutions. With a median debt of $15,000, students can expect manageable financial obligations post-graduation. This university attracts students who thrive in a dynamic environment, particularly in business, engineering, and the arts, where hands-on experience and industry connections can lead to fruitful careers.

Rankings

How San Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation67%Earnings 10yr$79KNet Price$14KRetention87%Median Debt$15KPell Grant Rate35%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$10K$0-30K$10K$30-48K$12K$48-75K$23K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1165.9%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%4655.7%MOBILITY542.79%

Cost & Financial Aid

$8,410
In-State Tuition
$21,010
Out-of-State
$13,760
Avg Net Price
$15,000
Median Debt
35%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$9,730
Family Income $0–$30K
$10,114
Family Income $30K–$48K
$12,099
Family Income $48K–$75K
$22,862
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$62,448
6 Years After Entry
$70,420
8 Years
$78,988
10 Years
0.19x
Debt-to-Earnings
73%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$62,448 6yr $70,420 8yr $78,988 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

542.79%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
4655.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1165.9%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$91,700
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.80
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.3%
Volunteering Rate
0.97
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

0.616%
Inventor Rate
127
Total Patents
376
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 85%
Retention Rate 87%
Full-Time Faculty 44%
Faculty Salary (mo) $12,896
Diversity Index 0.72
First-Gen Students 49%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 26%
Engineering 13%
Visual & Performing Arts 8%
Psychology 7%
Social Sciences 6%
Health Professions 6%
Communications 5%
Criminal Justice 4%