About San Jose State University

Founded in 1857, San Jose State University. is a Public college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 26,432 full time undergraduate students, and 5,722 full time graduate students.

The San Jose State University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 25:1. There are 742 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at San Jose State University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate53%
Application Deadline
Application Fee55
SAT Range920-1150
ACT Range20-25

Admissions at SJSU are considered Selective, with ,82% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 10 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at San Jose State University.

San Jose State University REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    214 Students rated on-campus housing 3.5 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    216 Students rated off-campus housing 3 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    280 Students rated campus food 3.3 stars. 11 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    300 Students rated campus facilities 3.8 stars. 25 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    300 Students rated class size 3.8 stars. 25 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    297 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    296 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    300 Students rated academics 3.8 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of San Jose State University?

129 Students rated San Jose State University

Christopher - 06/09/2023

San Jose State is a great school with lovely weather and is the heart of Silicon Valley. I really like it but I wish it wasn't such a big commuting school. the dorms are well, I like how they are extending the campus and building more classes for the students.

Anissa - 02/12/2023

San Jose State University is in the heart of Silicon Valley where there is many employment opportunities if you’re a computer science, engineering or even a business major. As the school provides multiple job fairs for student to attend and employment opportunities for students to have on campus jobs I do feel like San Jose State does seek to spend most of there budget on there athletics. As they do have over 15 divisions one sports and over 30 plus clubs for students to be involved in. With that being said Sun Jose State is facing a budget crisis in their math department where they can’t get enough teachers to to teach more than one type of math course. The opportunities they give alumni student teacher to come teach for graduate credits is great but it takes away from office hours from student who struggle.

Fabian - 01/17/2023

San Jose State University is a very diverse campus that has everything. This school focuses on academics, arts, sports and much more. This school might not be as big as other campuses but it definitely has very meaningful history. There is also plenty of maternity and sorority life that students are able to join.

Bo - 10/22/2022

At first, San Jose State was not my school of choice, as I had hoped to go elsewhere out of state, but being that out of state is extremely expensive, even with the scholarships, I decided to go here. And since that decision, I have truly enjoyed being in this school. One thing that took me by surprise is that though the campus is small, there is typically so many events happening it never feels empty or boring, and there are more than enough activities to meet people and take part in hobbies that you enjoy. The education system is great, but not perfect of course, as some teachers are more available than others, and provide better learning experiences. The research that the school offers as well is great, and one of the many reasons I decided to go here. The ability to do research before getting into my career is a great opportunity that not many other schools offer, especially with research directly on campus. In addition, due to my specific department being small, I am able to create bonds with students and professors that go beyond the classroom, which has been amazing.

San Jose State University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at San Jose State University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for San Jose State University is 53%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    As tempting as the opportunity may be, I would not be able to take such a risk on jeopardizing my own perspective of myself. The beliefs that I stand for conflict with the illusiveness of this question. If I were able to give myself advice on my predetermined college life, then I wouldn't have the same mindset and focus that I have at this point, defeating the whole purpose of the advice itself. Honesty and trust within myself was the clay that molded me into the motivated, studious, and slightly entertaining gentleman I am today. Telling my past-self how to live my future ultimately changes what i have worked for at the present. I've always relied on the "honest living" principle to separate me from the next person. My beliefs are equivalent to an artist's painting. I cannot start out to make a painting within an hour and expect depth and consistency. What I can do is start out with a simple stroke of the brush and make every stroke as perfect as I can possibly make it. Sooner or later I will end up with a masterpiece to be proud of.

    Read all  283 answers
  3. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    General Education, because in general they don't educate.

    Read all  63 answers
  4. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    That it was really diverse over here. I like that because you get meet people from all over the world. You can learn different values and ideas from them. It also makes it easier to make friends because people are very friendly and they treat you with respect.

    Read all  56 answers
  5. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    San Jose State University is a college that encourages its students to do the best that they can do. They want to their students to succeed in life.

    Read all  50 answers
  6. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates and peers are all extremely outgoing, each with their own unique personality and belief system.

    Read all  48 answers
  7. What's unique about your campus?

    Many resources, computers, large library for studying. Small shops in the vicinity, tech companies. Culturally diverse city. Close to recreational facilities and other cities.

    Read all  45 answers
  8. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    My school is best known for their prestigious engineering program as well as their business program. They have the most available classes and funding out of all the majors. Given that we are located in Silicon Valley, there are plenty of opportunities for internships and work experience in this area. Our sports teams, especially football, are also one of the top ranked in California. Jeff Garcia, the former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, attended San Jose State as well.

    Read all  44 answers
  9. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    People who are avid learners, who really want to strive for an education. This school is great for someone who "just wants a degree". For the educational enthusiast, don't go here.

    Read all  43 answers
  10. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I brag mostly about how diverse it is and how the people who are involved are very freindly. It is a good place to try out a lot of things becuase there are alot of different opportunities available.

    Read all  39 answers
  11. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    San Jose State University encourages students to express themselves no matter what issue it is about.

    Read all  36 answers
  12. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing about San Jose State University are the major budget cuts that effects students, staff and faculty. Many classes have been cut as well as the number of students allowed in each class. Also the implemented furlough days in which the staff and faculty must not be on campus a certain number of days each semester. This decreases the instruction time each semester which does not benefit the students who enjoy learning. Also the tuition rates have increased so we are paying more and recieving less from our school.

    Read all  35 answers
  13. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Motivated, determined, and limitless potential. Are those the words that got you saying "hey, that's me!" inside that spontaneous mind of yours? If so, don't hesitate to plan a visit to San Jose State University to decide whether or not you enjoy the atmosphere that the university emits. With a diverse group of people, you are bound to love the campus.

    Read all  34 answers
  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Cheap. And the competition (at least right now) isn't as intense as it was at my high school. Oh, but UNITS. 14 unit cap that lifts later, at an unknown date, to 18 units. It's almost impossible to graduate in 4 years.

    Read all  3 answers
  15. What are the academics like at your school?

    Freshman classes are pretty easy, except for my honors humanities class. Even then, it's not as stressful as it was for me in high school. (But, my high school was INTENSE.)

    Read all  2 answers
  16. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    I don't actually know much about the social life on campus since I'm a commuter. People do often plan stuff and have parties, but I've never really been able to attend them. (1.5 hr commute.)

    Read all  1 answers
  17. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Smart, but not smart enough to get into the UCs. That's what I used to think, anyway.

    Read all  1 answers
  18. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Not really. Are they ever? I got into UCs, but I opted for SJSU instead. I just killed the stereotype, didn't I?

    Read all  1 answers
  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    One of the most common stereotype that is present at my current school is that almost of the students at San Jose State University are either majoring in some form of engineering or in business, yet this is false. While it is true that many students do choose to major in one of the two majors mentioned above many students choose other majors such as art, computer science, or even history. These students are often over looked however and the publicly given to these students is dismally low.

    Read all  1 answers

Student Body

Students

48%

female

52%

male

26,432

Total Undergrad Enrollment

5,722

Total Grad Students

1%

Out-Of-State

94%

In-State

5%

International

Organizations

300

Student Organizations

25

Fraternities

18

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

12%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
36%
% Black or African-American
3%
% Hispanic/Latino
26%
% White or Caucasian
18%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

69% of students attending San Jose State University receive some sort of financial aid. 39% were awarded federal grants. While 36% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$18,578

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,899

Books and Supplies

$14,867

Room and Board

35,344

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$10,038
$30 - $48K
$11,577
$48 - $75K
$15,681
$75 - $110K
$19,808
$110K & UP
$22,068

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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