San Jose State University vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo holds a 5-point ROI advantage over San Jose State University, scoring 96/100 versus 91/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, San Jose State University comes in at $13,760 per year (net price after aid) versus $16,665 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo - a difference of $2,905 annually, or roughly $11,620 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn a median of $90,768 compared to $78,988 at San Jose State University. The payback period is 4.4 years at San Jose State University versus 3.7 years at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Graduates leave San Jose State University with a median $15,000 in debt versus $18,500 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.32 and 0.34 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | San Jose State University | California Polytechnic St... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,410 | $13,596 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $21,010 | $34,665 |
| Net Price (avg) | $13,760 | $16,665 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $55,040 | $66,660 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,200 | $54,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $78,988 | $90,768 |
| Graduation Rate | 69.2% | 86.4% |
| Payback Period | 4.4 yr | 3.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $15,000 | $18,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $159 | $196 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.32 | 0.34 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.5% | 91.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 77.3% | 88.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 84.6% | 31.3% |
| Enrollment | 27,601 | 21,996 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | San Jose State Unive... | California Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $9,730 | $7,529 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,114 | $7,253 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,099 | $9,896 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $15,102 | $15,786 |
| $110,001+ | $22,862 | $27,772 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | San Jose State Unive... | California Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 96 | 97 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 96 | 98 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 93 | 92 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 77 | 94 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 81 | 97 |
| Overall ROI Score | 91 | 96 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo edges out San Jose State University by 5 points (96 vs 91), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
San Jose State University
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.