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San Jose State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Also known as SJSU
San Jose State University accepts 85% of applicants. It is a public university in San Jose, California, with about 27,601 undergraduates. The sticker price is $30,736 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $14,241.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for SJSU?
Admitly estimates a typical California resident needs about a 3.2 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.5 for admission to be likely (80%+).
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into San Jose State University by GPA
San Jose State University does not consider SAT or ACT scores, so these chances assume no test score. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | California resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 18% Reach | 6% Reach |
| 2.7 | 18% Reach | 6% Reach |
| 3.0 | 37% Target | 15% Reach |
| 3.3 | 71% Target | 42% Target |
| 3.5 | 87% Likely | 66% Target |
| 3.7 | 94% Likely | 83% Likely |
| 3.9 | 97% Likely | 93% Likely |
| 4.0 | 97% Likely | 95% Likely |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at San Jose State University
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $30,736 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $10,400 | $21,700 |
| $50k – $100k | $12,100 | $23,500 |
| $100k – $150k | $15,800 | $27,100 |
| $150k – $250k | $26,400 | $37,700 |
| Over $250k | $28,900 | $40,200 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about San Jose State University
What is the acceptance rate at San Jose State University?
San Jose State University admits 85% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into San Jose State University?
Admitly estimates a typical California resident needs about a 3.2 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance, and about 3.5 for admission to be likely (80%+). This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores (not considered here), activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for San Jose State University?
San Jose State University does not consider SAT or ACT scores.
How much does San Jose State University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $30,736 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $14,241 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $10,400 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at San Jose State University?
68% of students finish their degree, and 87% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to San Jose State University
- University of California, RiversideRiverside, CA · admits 76%
- Cal State NorthridgeNorthridge, CA · admits 93%
- Sacramento StateSacramento, CA · admits 94%
- Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo, MI · admits 85%
- Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI · admits 85%
- Ohio UniversityAthens, OH · admits 85%