San Jose State University vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo comes out ahead: 96/100 to 91/100, a 5-point edge over San Jose State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, San Jose State University runs $13,760 a year against $16,665 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo - $2,905 more a year, or about $11,620 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn a median $90,768 against $78,988 at San Jose State University. The cost earns itself back in 4.4 years at San Jose State University and 3.7 years at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave San Jose State University owing a median $15,000 versus $18,500 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.32 and 0.34 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
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
It's close. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo edges out San Jose State University by 5 points (96 vs 91), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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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.