San Jose State University vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
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, San Jose State University comes out ahead: 91/100 to 88/100, a 3-point edge over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. 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 $16,778 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - $3,018 more a year, or about $12,072 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, San Jose State University graduates earn a median $78,988 against $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. The cost earns itself back in 4.4 years at San Jose State University and 6.1 years at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave San Jose State University owing a median $15,000 versus $19,500 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.32 and 0.42 - 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 | University of Minnesota-T... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,410 | $17,214 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $21,010 | $38,362 |
| Net Price (avg) | $13,760 | $16,778 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $55,040 | $67,112 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,200 | $46,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $78,988 | $69,020 |
| Graduation Rate | 69.2% | 85.3% |
| Payback Period | 4.4 yr | 6.1 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $15,000 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $159 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.32 | 0.42 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.5% | 81.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 77.3% | 78.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 84.6% | 79.8% |
| Enrollment | 27,601 | 31,855 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | San Jose State Unive... | University of Minnes... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $9,730 | $6,642 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,114 | $7,283 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,099 | $9,931 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $15,102 | $16,415 |
| $110,001+ | $22,862 | $27,008 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | San Jose State Unive... | University of Minnes... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 96 | 90 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 96 | 89 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 93 | 85 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 77 | 93 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 81 | 76 |
| Overall ROI Score | 91 | 88 |
The Verdict
It's close. San Jose State University edges out University of Minnesota-Twin Cities by 3 points (91 vs 88), 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.
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
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Strong 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.