San Jose State University
San Jose, California · Public · 84.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 91/100 · Exceptional Value
San Jose State University
Exceptional ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $8,410/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $21,010/yr |
| Average net price | $13,760/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $55,040 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $78,988 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $47,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $15,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $159 |
| Estimated payback period | 4.4 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 69.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 27,601 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,730 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,114 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,099 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,102 |
| $110,001+ | $22,862 |
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at San Jose State University is $8,410/year ($21,010/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $13,760/year, or roughly $55,040 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,730/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $22,862/year.
The median graduate leaves with $15,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $159 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $78,988 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.32 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 77.9% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 83.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 77.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 80.7% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 84.6% |
| Enrollment | 27,601 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 35.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,896 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose State University (this school) | 91 | $13,760 | $78,988 |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | 96 | $16,665 | $90,768 |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | 88 | $16,778 | $69,020 |
| George Mason University | 86 | $17,915 | $76,343 |
| University of Utah | 84 | $16,200 | $67,170 |
| California State University-Bakersfield | 75 | $5,652 | $59,009 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
San Jose State University is one of the strongest financial investments in higher education. With a total 4-year net cost of $55,040 and median graduate earnings of $78,988 ten years out, the math works decisively in graduates' favor. The estimated payback period of 4.4 years is well below average.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 69.2% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $15,000 is very manageable against $78,988 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.