San Jose State University
Silicon Valley's original innovator.
📍 San Jose, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #5 in United States · THE World #1001
Quick Facts about San Jose State University
- Type: Public
- Students: 37,661
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $18,490 – $21,010/year
- Language: English, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, Hebrew, Filipino/Tagalog, Russian, Vietnamese
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
- Intakes: January, June, August, October
About San Jose State University
Academics
SJSU offers over 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across nine academic colleges. The university is particularly recognized for its strong programs in engineering, business, and information technology, owing to its location in Silicon Valley. Notable programs include electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, business administration, accounting, finance, and computer science. SJSU's teaching approach often involves hands-on experience, with many programs collaborating with industry partners.
International Students
San Jose State University is home to a large and diverse international student body, with over 3,000 international students from more than 100 different countries. The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office provides comprehensive support, including immigration advising, cultural integration programs, and assistance with employment options for F-1 and J-1 visa holders. English language programs and TOEFL preparation courses are also available through International Gateways. SJSU also offers the iSucceed peer mentor program to help international students navigate campus life during their first year.
Campus & Location
SJSU's main campus spans 154 acres in downtown San Jose, a vibrant urban environment. The city of San Jose, located in Silicon Valley, offers a mild climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year. The campus is well-served by public transportation, connecting students to the wider Bay Area. Nearby attractions include Japantown, the Discovery Museum, and History San José.
Career Outcomes
San Jose State University boasts strong career outcomes, particularly for international students, ranking highly for employment outcomes and value. The university has an undergraduate placement rate of 88% and a postgraduate placement rate of 92%. SJSU graduates are highly sought after by top companies in the technology and engineering sectors, such as Apple, Cisco, Google, Amazon, Intel, and NVIDIA. The university's location in Silicon Valley provides extensive internship and job opportunities, and its career services offer workshops and advising to support students. SJSU also fosters an entrepreneurial culture through initiatives like the SpartUp Incubator and the Silicon Valley Center for Entrepreneurship.
Information for International Students at San Jose State University
San Jose State University in San Jose, United States welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available (~$616/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, Hebrew, Filipino/Tagalog, Russian, Vietnamese
Admissions Requirements for San Jose State University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to San Jose State University:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 61
- Duolingo minimum: 95
- GPA minimum: 2.5
- Application fee: $70
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: November 15
Programs at San Jose State University (15 programs)
San Jose State University offers 15 programs across Bachelor, Master levels.
Bachelor Programs (8)
- Aerospace Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · $7,852/yr · STEM
This program focuses on the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft and spacecraft. Students learn principles of aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and flight mechanics.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Aerospace Engineer, Aircraft Designer, Space Systems Engineer - Aerospace Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · $7,852/yr · STEM
This program focuses on the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft and spacecraft. Students learn principles of aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and flight mechanics.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Aerospace Engineer, Aircraft Designer, Space Systems Engineer - Aerospace Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · $7,852/yr · STEM
This program focuses on the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft and spacecraft. Students learn principles of aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and flight mechanics.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Aerospace Engineer, Aircraft Designer, Space Systems Engineer - Graphic Design (BFA) — 48 months · English · $7,852/yr
This program cultivates creative problem-solving skills and technical proficiency in visual communication. Students learn about typography, branding, web design, and interactive media.
Field: Arts and Design
Career outcomes: Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Art Director, UX/UI Designer - Business Administration (Concentration in Marketing) (BS) — 48 months · English · $7,852/yr
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of business operations with a specialization in marketing strategies. Students learn about consumer behavior, market research, and promotional techniques.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Marketing Manager, Market Research Analyst, Brand Manager, Sales Manager - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English · $7,852/yr
Students explore human behavior, cognition, emotion, and development through various psychological theories and research methods. This degree provides a foundation for careers in counseling, social work, or further graduate studies.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Social Worker, Counselor (with further education), Human Resources Specialist, Research Assistant - Civil Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · $7,852/yr · STEM
This program focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. Students learn about structural analysis, environmental engineering, and transportation planning.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Transportation Engineer, Construction Manager - Nursing (BSN) — 48 months · English · $7,852/yr · STEM
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares students for professional nursing practice in diverse healthcare settings. It emphasizes patient care, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Public Health Nurse
Master Programs (7)
- Applied Mathematics (MSc) — 24 months · English · $9,200/yr · STEM
This program provides advanced training in mathematical modeling, numerical analysis, and computational methods for solving problems in science, engineering, and finance.
Field: Mathematics
Career outcomes: Mathematician, Quantitative Analyst, Data Scientist, Research Scientist - Software Engineering (MS) — 24 months · English · $9,200/yr · STEM
This master's program provides advanced knowledge in software design, development, testing, and maintenance. Students delve into topics like software architecture, project management, and quality assurance.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Senior Software Engineer, Software Architect, Technical Lead, Software Project Manager - Biomedical Engineering (MS) — 24 months · English · $9,200/yr · STEM
This program integrates engineering principles with biological and medical sciences to develop innovative healthcare solutions. Students focus on areas like medical devices, biomechanics, and bioinstrumentation.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Biomedical Engineer, Medical Device Developer, Clinical Engineer, Research Scientist - Business Administration (MBA) — 24 months · English · $9,200/yr
This MBA program develops leadership and management skills, covering core business functions like finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, often with various specialization options.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Consultant, Operations Manager, Financial Analyst, Product Manager - Library and Information Science (MLIS) — 24 months · English · $9,200/yr
The MLIS program prepares students for careers in libraries, archives, and information centers. It covers information organization, digital librarianship, and information technology.
Field: Information Science
Career outcomes: Librarian, Archivist, Information Specialist, Knowledge Manager - Electrical Engineering (MS) — 24 months · English · $9,200/yr · STEM
This program offers advanced study in areas such as power systems, electronics, control systems, and telecommunications. Students engage in research and design of electrical and electronic systems.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Electrical Engineer, Electronics Design Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Research and Development Engineer - Data Science (MS) — 24 months · English · $9,200/yr · STEM
The Data Science program provides students with the skills to analyze large datasets, extract insights, and build predictive models. It covers statistics, machine learning, and big data technologies.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Developer
Scholarships & Tuition at San Jose State University
Annual tuition for international students: $18,490 – $21,010/year
✅ San Jose State University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of San Jose State University
- National Ranking: #5 in United States
- Times Higher Education (THE): #1001
- Ranking tier: Research University
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at San Jose State University
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Urban
- Housing cost: ~$616/month
Key Highlights
- Oldest public university, West Coast
- Silicon Valley location, innovation hub
- Strong engineering, business, IT programs
- Diverse international student body
- Downtown San Jose urban campus
Accreditation
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- California State Board of Education
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Notable Alumni
- Bill Walsh
- Dick Vermeil
- James Jones
- Rashied Davis
- Duke Ihenacho
Frequently Asked Questions about San Jose State University
What is San Jose State University?
San Jose State University is a public university located in San Jose, United States. It has approximately 37,661 students.
How much does it cost to study at San Jose State University?
Tuition fees at San Jose State University for international students range from $18,490 – $21,010/year. Student housing costs approximately $616/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for San Jose State University?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 61. Duolingo minimum: 95. GPA minimum: 2.5. Application fee: $70. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: November 15.
What language are courses taught in at San Jose State University?
Courses at San Jose State University are taught in English and Mandarin Chinese and Japanese and French and Spanish and Italian and Portuguese and German and Hebrew and Filipino/Tagalog and Russian and Vietnamese. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does San Jose State University offer?
San Jose State University offers 15 programs: 8 Bachelor's, 7 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is San Jose State University ranked?
#5 in United States · THE World #1001.
Does San Jose State University offer scholarships?
Yes, San Jose State University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does San Jose State University provide visa support?
Yes, San Jose State University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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