San Jose State's published cost of attendance reaches $25,695 per year, including $7,992 in-state tuition, $19,866 for room and board, and $938 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $13,741 representing savings of $11,954 annually.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,593 |
| Tuition and Fees | $21,010 |
| Room and Board | $20,971 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,062 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,833 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $13,760 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $9,730 |
| $30–48k | $10,114 |
| $48–75k | $12,099 |
| $75–110k | $15,102 |
| $110k+ | $22,862 |
San Jose State's published cost of attendance reaches $25,695 per year, including $7,992 in-state tuition, $19,866 for room and board, and $938 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $13,741 representing savings of $11,954 annually. This net price falls $1,849 below the peer median of $15,590, making San Jose State more affordable than typical similar institutions.
The university's location in the expensive San Francisco Bay Area means that published costs reflect regional housing and living expenses, but substantial financial aid helps offset these costs for most students. California residents benefit from the lower in-state tuition rate, though out-of-state students face $19,872 in tuition charges. The significant gap between sticker price and actual net price demonstrates San Jose State's commitment to affordability through robust financial aid programs.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
San Jose State graduates carry a median debt load of $15,000, which compares favorably to the peer median of $20,000, representing $5,000 less borrowing than typical similar institutions. Debt levels range from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $22,996 at the 75th percentile, indicating that many students graduate with minimal debt while others may borrow more substantial amounts.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 means that typical debt levels represent less than one-fifth of first-year earnings, indicating manageable repayment burden relative to post-graduation income. Parent PLUS borrowers carry a median debt of $16,257 with monthly payments of $214, representing additional family financial responsibility beyond student borrowing.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
San Jose State delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of strong earnings outcomes and controlled educational costs. Graduates earn $25,635 beyond expectations relative to students with similar backgrounds, ranking at the 96.2nd percentile nationally for value creation.
The median earnings of $78,988 represent $18,445 more annually than the peer median of $60,543, while debt levels remain $5,000 below peer averages. This combination creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19, indicating that typical educational borrowing represents less than one-fifth of annual earnings.
The institution's Silicon Valley location provides proximity to high-paying careers in technology, healthcare, and business while maintaining public university affordability advantages. Students benefit from both competitive post-graduation salaries and reasonable educational costs, creating optimal conditions for long-term financial success.
San Jose State enrolls 35.4% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial commitment to serving lower-income families who qualify for federal need-based aid. The average financial aid savings of $11,954 represents nearly half of the total cost of attendance, demonstrating significant institutional and state investment in student affordability.
The progressive net price structure, with the lowest-income families paying $9,743 compared to $23,401 for highest earners, shows that aid concentrates among students with the greatest financial need. California's Cal Grant program and institutional aid combine to create substantial savings for residents, particularly those from working-class and middle-class backgrounds.
The high Pell share indicates that San Jose State successfully enrolls and supports students who might otherwise face financial barriers to higher education. Students from families earning under $75,000 annually can expect significant aid that makes attendance financially viable, while those from higher-income families should plan for costs closer to the published sticker price.
The controlled debt levels reflect both the institution's affordable net price structure and students' ability to work in the high-wage Bay Area economy while enrolled. Graduates' strong earning outcomes ($78,988 median) create favorable conditions for debt repayment, with manageable monthly obligations relative to post-graduation income.
