San Jose State University vs University of Utah
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
San Jose State University holds a 7-point ROI advantage over University of Utah, scoring 91/100 versus 84/100. 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 $16,200 at University of Utah - a difference of $2,440 annually, or roughly $9,760 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, San Jose State University graduates earn a median of $78,988 compared to $67,170 at University of Utah. The payback period is 4.4 years at San Jose State University versus 6.4 years at University of Utah.
Graduates leave San Jose State University with a median $15,000 in debt versus $19,000 at University of Utah. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.32 and 0.40 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | San Jose State University | University of Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,410 | $9,620 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $21,010 | $30,860 |
| Net Price (avg) | $13,760 | $16,200 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $55,040 | $64,800 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $47,200 | $47,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $78,988 | $67,170 |
| Graduation Rate | 69.2% | 65.0% |
| Payback Period | 4.4 yr | 6.4 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $15,000 | $19,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $159 | $201 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.32 | 0.40 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.5% | 81.3% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 77.3% | 77.0% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 84.6% | 86.0% |
| Enrollment | 27,601 | 27,264 |
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 Utah |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $9,730 | $13,123 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $10,114 | $13,424 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $12,099 | $14,246 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $15,102 | $17,663 |
| $110,001+ | $22,862 | $21,533 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | San Jose State Unive... | University of Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 96 | 89 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 96 | 87 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 93 | 87 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 77 | 69 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 81 | 74 |
| Overall ROI Score | 91 | 84 |
The Verdict
San Jose State University has a meaningfully higher ROI score (91 vs 84). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is somewhat stronger. That said, if University of Utah offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
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San Jose State University
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Utah
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.