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Public
Large
Mountain West Conference

San Jose State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1090 to 1330
ACT Range24 to 30
Average GPA3.53
Acceptance Rate84.6%

San Jose State’s 84.6% acceptance rate is encouraging, but the counterintuitive takeaway is that SAT or ACT scores are not your lever here because the school is test-free. Your best strategy is to keep your GPA near or above the 3.53 entering average and build a course record that fits your intended major.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

San Jose State University facts and stats

Quick Facts

San Jose State University enrolls about 28,008 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. San Jose State has an 87% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 69% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 26:1. San Jose State uses a test-free admissions policy.

Location

San Jose, CA

Undergrad Enrollment28,008
Freshman Retention87%
SettingUrban
Student to Faculty Ratio26:1
Graduation Rate69%
Test PolicyTest-free

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Key San Jose State University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

November 30

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 2

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

San Jose State is test-free, so you do not need SAT or ACT scores for its November 30 application deadline. Any retakes or superscoring strategy only matter for other test-using colleges on your list.

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What you'll actually pay

San Jose State, a public Mountain West Conference university, lists in-state tuition at $6,084 and out-of-state tuition at $18,684. About 54% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $3,146. Submit the FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.

House illustration
In-State Tuition$6,084
Out-of-State Tuition$18,684
Room and Board$17,649
Average Merit Award$3,146
Application Fee$70
Students on Aid54%
Average Aid Package$15,264
Average Debt at Grad$17,110

At San Jose State University, out-of-state tuition is $18,684, while in-state tuition is $6,084. Room and board adds about $17,649, so total costs can vary significantly by residency and housing choices. About 54% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $15,264. Graduates leave with an average debt of $17,110.

Student life at San Jose State University

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Radio station
Marching band
Choral groups
Housing

17% of undergrads live on campus

Coed
Men only
Women only
Living-learning
Greek life

Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.

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