San Jose State University Overview

San Jose State University (SJSU) is a public university located in San Jose, California. Established in 1857, it is the oldest public institution of higher education on the West Coast. SJSU is part of the California State University system and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on technology, business, and engineering fields.

San Jose State University Offered Programs

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)
  • Master’s Degrees (MA, MS, MBA)
  • Doctoral Programs (EdD, PhD in select fields)
  • Certificate Programs in various disciplines including Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, and Education

San Jose State University Tuition Fees

Program LevelTuition Fee (USD per academic year)
Undergraduate (In-State)Approximately $7,852
Undergraduate (Out-of-State)Approximately $19,732
Graduate (In-State)Approximately $8,490
Graduate (Out-of-State)Approximately $19,732

San Jose State University Required Documents and Admission Requirements

  • Completed application form
  • Official high school transcripts or previous college transcripts
  • Personal statement or essay (for some programs)
  • Letters of recommendation (graduate programs and some undergraduate majors)
  • Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) — currently test-optional for many programs
  • Proof of English proficiency for international students
  • Application fee payment

San Jose State University Deadlines

Application StageDeadline
Fall Semester ApplicationNovember 30 (priority deadline)
Spring Semester ApplicationAugust 1
Registration PeriodVaries by semester
Classes StartAugust (Fall), January (Spring)

San Jose State University Scholarships Offerings

SJSU provides merit-based and need-based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. Scholarships include departmental awards, community service recognitions, and diversity scholarships.

San Jose State University Rankings

Ranking CategoryPosition
National Universities (US News)Ranked around 7th in Regional Universities West
Public Universities (US News)Ranked in top 20
Global University RankingsRanked within top 800 worldwide

San Jose State University Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate is approximately 67%, reflecting moderate selectivity based on academic performance and other holistic criteria.

San Jose State University Student Campus Life

SJSU offers a vibrant campus life with over 400 student organizations, Greek life, cultural events, and athletics. On-campus housing includes residence halls and university apartments primarily for first-year students. Many students also live in nearby off-campus housing options in San Jose.

San Jose State University Cost of Living

San Jose is part of the Silicon Valley area with a relatively high cost of living. Students should plan for housing, food, and transportation costs that align with the regional expenses.

Expense TypeEstimated Monthly Cost (USD)
On-campus Housing1,000 – 1,600
Off-campus Housing1,400 – 2,200
Food300 – 500
Transportation100 – 150
Utilities & Internet100 – 150
Personal Expenses200 – 400

San Jose State University Contact Informations

Phone Number: +1 408-924-1000
Email Address: admissions@sjsu.edu
Address: One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192, USA

San Jose State University Online Application

Applications are accepted through the university’s online application portal, allowing prospective students to submit documents, pay application fees, and monitor application status.