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Colleges / San Jose State University

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA 4-Year Public
Acceptance Rate75%

SJSU Tuition Information

In 2022, tuition for full-time students at SJSU was $5,742 a year for in-state students and $17,622 a year for out-of-state students.

On average, college tuition rises about 3% year.

Remember, the displayed price of tuition does not give you enough information to determine the actual cost of attending any given college. Many students find the actual cost of college is a lot less than the sticker price after grants, scholarships, and tuition discounts are awarded. And, student loans can make thecost of college more manageable until you're done with college.

International students can expect to pay 17,622 per year for tuition at San Jose State University.

San Jose State University meets 83% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates. The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student at San Jose State University is around $20,632 a year.

Students in the class of 2023 who had taken out student loans graduated with an average of $17,606 of debt.

In-state vs. Out-of-state Tuition at San Jose State University

San Jose State University is a public, state institution, so it offers a reduced tuition rate of $5,742 for in-state students who attend full-time.Non-California residents can expect to pay 17,622 per year for tuition.

Public colleges and universities receive funding from the state government. Public, state schools can offer lower tuition for students who meet the requirements for in-state residency.

Choosing a college where you qualify for in-state residency can cut the cost of college tuition. Take the time to verify your state's requirements for in-state residency. Every state has its own rules about what makes someone eligible for in-state tuition. In many states, students must have lived in the state for 12 months before starting school to qualify for in-state tuition. There may be other criteria as well, depending on where you live.

Explore other California colleges

San Jose State University International Student Tuition

San Jose State University has the same tuition for international students as for those from out of state.

International students at San Jose State University usually pay around $17,622 per year, before any scholarships or financial aid.

Students from outside of the U.S. usually do not qualify for for federal financial aid, but should research private or school-specific grants, scholarships, and other funding opportunities.


San Jose State University Living Expenses, Fees, and More


In addition to tuition, there are other costs associated with college, like room and board, facility fees, and books and supplies. Let's take a look at what impacts these costs, and what to expect at San Jose State University.

Room and Board Costs at San Jose State University

Housing and campus dining at San Jose State University costs $19,866 a year. This number covers the cost of living in dorms or other on-campus housing, plus a meal plan that allows you to eat all or some of your meals the school dining halls. Students who do not live on-campus but would like to be able to eat in the campus dining can opt-in for a meal plan. The cost of board-only is $8,767.

Meal-plan costs vary based on on the number of meals you intend to eat on-campus

How Much Do Books Cost at San Jose State University?

First-year students are sometimes surprised by how much books and supplies cost–and not in a good way. The actual cost of books and supplies depends on the courses you take and the textbooks, computer programs, or other materials are required.. To save money, many students choose to use books from the library or buy books from students who have already taken the course.

Annual Fees

Most schools also have fees to offsets cost associated with maintaining facilties, like the library, gym and computer labs.

Keep in mind, there could also be additional fees associated with participating in certain activities, like joining a fraternity or sorority, or playing on an intramural sports team. Many schools offer ways so that those who may struggle to participate because of cost can find ways to lower or eliminate these costs.

The Cost of Transportation at San Jose State University

The total cost of getting around in college depends on a few key factors. Will you drive, fly, or take public transportation to school? Is on-campus parking free, or will you need to budget for parking? Is the campus easy to get around on foot? Do you plan to bring a car or will you need to use public transportation? All of these questions can drastically impact your estimated cost of transportation. Keeping in mind, first-year students are allowed to park a car on campus.

A school's location can also have a big effect on transportation costs. Small, rural schools may be easier to get around, but the cost of getting to campus may be higher. On the other hand getting around in an urban area is sometimes costly, but there may be more trains, busses or affordable flights to actually get to school. The San Jose State University campus is in a city in California.

Other Costs

When budgeting for college, be sure to take into account personal expenses, like entertainment, clothes, furnishings and toiletries.


Total Tuition and Expenses at San Jose State University


Now, let’s go over all of the costs we've covered, to get a better estimate of what is really costs to go to San Jose State University.

Total Cost of San Jose State University

What will the cost of attending San Jose State University be? Here is a breakdown of tuition and expenses.

2023 Total Tuition and Expenses
In-state Tuition $5,742
Out-of-State Tuition $17,622
Room and Board $19,866
Board Only $9,745
Other expenses $2,406

The total estimated cost will vary depending on whether you are going to live on-campus or off-campus.

Tuition and fees may vary depending on program, course level, location, and more.


San Jose State University Financial Aid


In 2023, 11,904 of the 26,912 undergrads enrolled received financial aid. San Jose State University meets 83% of the demonstrated financial need for undergraduates.

The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is around $20,632 a year. Around 39% of San Jose State University undergrads take out student loans to cover any remaining costs. San Jose State University graduates who have student loans graduate with an average of $17,606 of student loan debt.

The average debt for each loan type varies.

Average Debt By Loan Type
Federal Loans $16,306
State Loans $5,341
San Jose State University-Specific Loans $1,549
Private Loans $24,193
Most Common Loans for San Jose State University Students
Federal Loans 38%
State loans 1%
Private loans 3%

Most students take out institutional or government loans, because they tend to have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. Loans from the federal government can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest during school, while unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest at the time the loan is issued. If students do no qualify for enough federal loans to cover the cost of tuition, some take out private loans. Parents can also take out ParentPLUS loans, which are government loans for parents who are helping their children pay for college.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps colleges determine how much financial need students and their familes have, so they can offer a financial aid package that meets, or come close to meeting, their need. For more information on San Jose State University financial aid, keep reading, or visit their financial aid website.

Scholarships at San Jose State University

Some students may receive grants and scholarships to help pay for college. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be paid back.

In 2023, San Jose State University awarded 9,034 need-based scholarships to students, giving away total of $110.5 million to help students with financial need cover the cost of school. An additional $380,000 in merit-based scholarship money was awarded to students without demonstrated financial need.

Net Cost of San Jose State University

The net price of college is the actual cost of attending a school for one year. Net cost is calculated by subtracting any scholarships, grants or other aid that does not need to be paid back from the total cost. Student loans are not part of the calculation, because they need to be repaid.

Now that we have a sense of the total estimated costs for San Jose State University students, we can subtract the average financial aid package to find the estimated net cost. Net cost can vary depending on a students’ need and the financial aid award received.

When considering whether a school fits your budget, it is important to consider the estimated net cost, not just the sticker price of tuition. Often, schools with the highest tuition also offer the most generous aid packages, so estimate your net cost before eliminating a school because it does fit your budget.

The average amount of financial aid received by a full-time first year student with demonstrated need at San Jose State University was $20,632 in 2023. By substracting the average financial aid package from the estimated costs, we get a number that may make the cost of San Jose State University seem more manageable.

Estimated Net Cost for Full-Time Students
In-State, On-Campus $-10,062
Net In-state, Off-campus $810
Out-of-State, On-Campus $22,450

Note: a negative number can indicate that a refund will be given to use toward other expenses such as housing, fees, and books. In such cases, be sure to reach out to the school directly for any clarification or questions.

What will attending San Jose State University really cost you? The answer depends on several factors.

As of 2011, colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website to help prospective students and their families understand the actual cost of attending that school, based on their financial situation. You can find the San Jose State University's net cost calculator on their website.

San Jose State University Tuition Payment Plans

Some students choose to use payment plans to make the cost of tuition fit more comfortably in their budget.

Students cannot pay tuition in installments. Contact the financial aid office to verify this and discuss options.

SJSU Tuition Waivers

Schools sometimes waiver tuition for certain groups, to offset the cost of attending. Some schools offer tuition waivers for faculty, staff, and their families , underrepresented students, or military students. Even if you qualify for a waiver, students are usually responsible for housing, meal plans, and other expenses.

Check the financial aid website for more information on payment plans and tuition waivers.

San Jose State University's Endowment

An endowment is the total value of a school's investments, donations, and assets. Endowment is not necessarily an indicator of the quality of a school, but it can give you a sense of how much money a college can afford to invest in expanding programs, improving facilities, and supporting students.

For more information about San Jose State University's endowment, check with the school directly.


Learn More About San Jose State University


Choose one of the options below to find out more about about San Jose State University:

Overview

Student Life

Academics

Admissions

Connect with other students, parents, and admissions professionals to learn more about about San Jose State University in the College Confidential forums

SJSU Tuition & Fees

Tuition & Fees

$28,796

In State

$40,676

Out-of-State
Cost Breakdown
In State
Out-of-State
State Tuition
$5,742
$17,622
Fees
$2,250
$2,250
Housing
$19,866
$19,866
Books
$938
$938

SJSU Financial Aid

Students Who Receive Need-Based Aid

42%

Average Financial Aid Package

$20,787

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

35,751

Campus Setting

Urban

Acceptance Rate

75%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$7,992

Out-of-State

$19,872

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Nov 30
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