Overview of San Jose State University

San Jose State University is a public institution is situated on 154 acres in downtown San Jose. The institution has 134undergraduate and graduate degree programs for students to choose from. A robust student/faculty ratio supports students, and professors take a personalized approach to the teaching and learning process. Outside of the classroom, students will find plenty of opportunities to engage with the campus community via the university’s many clubs and organizations. In athletics, the SJSU Spartans play in the NCAA Division I Mountain West Conference.

Enrollment

• Total Enrollment: 34,992 (27,327 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 51 percent male/49 percent female
• 85 percent full-time

Cost of Attendance Information

• Tuition and Fees: $7,852 (in-state); $19,466 (out-of-state)
• Books: $2,058
• Room and Board: $16,946
• Other Expenses: $3,209
• Total Cost: $30,065 (in-state); $41,679 (out-of-state)

Financial Aid Information

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 74 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 67 percent
  • Loans: 38 percent

• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $8,795
  • Loans: $6,128

Academic Programs Offered

• Most Popular Majors: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Engineering; Visual and Performing Arts; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; and Psychology

Retention and Graduation

• First-Year Student Retention (full-time students): 83 percent
• Transfer-Out Rate: 4 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 14 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 65 percent

NCAA Athletic Programs

• Men’s Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Track and Field, Water Polo
• Women’s Sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Gymnastics, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Water Polo, Beach Volleyball

Overview of San Jose State University Admissions

San Jose State, which accepts just over half of applicants, has a selective admissions process. Students whose SAT/ACT scores and GPA are within the institution’s requirements have a good chance of being admitted. This institution has a robust admissions process that involves a multitude of academic measures. Applicants must complete an online application. A persuasive essay and glowing recommendation letters can bolster your application, along with being involved with student organizations and attempting a challenging course load. Students with unique talents and accomplishments can still receive strong consideration even if their GPAs are outside of the admissions offices mean range. Interested students should check out the university’s website, which has helpful tips and contact information for the admissions offices. Students should make a campus visit to determine if the institution is a good fit for them.

Admissions Data             

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, San Jose State University had an acceptance rate of 55%. For every 100 students who submitted applications, 55 students gained admission, making SJSU’s admissions process competitive.

SAT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 91% of students provided SAT scores. This admissions data reveals that most of San Jose State’s students score within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. 50% of students admitted to SJSU scored between 510 and 620 on the evidence-based reading and writing part, while 25% scored under 510 and 25% scored over 620. 50% of students scored between 520 and 640 on the math part, while 25% scored under 520, and 25% scored over 640. Applicants with a cumulative SAT score of 1260 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at San Jose State.

ACT Requirements and Scores

During the 2018-19 admissions phase, 25% of the admitted student provided ACT scores. This admissions data reveals that most SJSU students score within the top 55% nationally on the ACT. The median 50% of students admitted to San Jose State received a cumulative ACT score between 19 and 26, while 25% scored over 26, and 25% scored under 19.

GPA

In 2019, the mean high school GPA for  San Jose State first-year students was 3.5. Successful applicants to SJSU have B grades primarily.

Safety Net Schools: Easy to Gain Admission

If past admission data predicts that you would be a competitive candidate for San Jose State University, it should be easy to gain admissions to the schools below. If San Jose State University is currently out of your reach, then you are sure to be a competitive candidate for the schools below.

East Carolina University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis, Texas State University, Georgia State University, University of Texas at El Paso, California State University Northridge

Same Tier: Just As Hard to Gain Admission

If you’re a competitive candidate for San Jose State University, you should have an equal chance of gaining admissions at these schools.

University of North Texas, University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Tech University, California State University Long Beach, Pace University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Washington State University

Reach Institutions: Gaining Admissions Will be More of a Challenge

These schools are more challenging to gain admission into than San Jose State University. If you improve your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, then you’ll be a competitive candidate for these schools.

University of California, Davis, Penn State University Park, University of Cincinnati, Hofstra University, Temple University, Auburn University, Seton Hall University

Applying to San Jose State University

Application Deadline: December 15

Undergraduate Admissions Website:

https://www.sjsu.edu/freshmanadmissions/

Undergraduate Application Link(s):

https://www.sjsu.edu/freshmanadmissions/want-to-apply/

Graduate Admissions Website:

https://www.sjsu.edu/graduateadmissions/

Graduate Application Link(s):

https://www.sjsu.edu/graduateadmissions/want-to-apply/index.html