San Jose State University vs University of Utah
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 84/100, a 7-point edge over University of Utah. 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 $16,200 at University of Utah - $2,440 more a year, or about $9,760 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, San Jose State University graduates earn a median $78,988 against $67,170 at University of Utah. The cost earns itself back in 4.4 years at San Jose State University and 6.4 years at University of Utah.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave San Jose State University owing a median $15,000 versus $19,000 at University of Utah. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.32 and 0.40 - 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 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 the clearly stronger ROI here (91 vs 84) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if University of Utah is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap 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.