Strong graduate outcomes with earnings well above peer institutions. Robust earnings growth over time.
What graduates earn 10 years after enrollment.
Annual salary at 10 years
Lower quartile earnings
Upper quartile earnings
How graduate earnings grow in the decade after enrollment.
San Jose State graduates experience steady earnings growth from early to mid-career, with median earnings rising from $62,448 six years after enrollment to $70,420 at eight years and reaching $78,988 at ten years. This represents 26.5% growth from the six-year to ten-year measurement period, indicating consistent career advancement and salary progression.
How outcomes compare to similar institutions.
Strong relative performance — graduates earn notably more than peers at comparable institutions.
Financial justification for the investment.
Excellent affordability. Median debt of $15,000 is well under annual earnings, enabling comfortable repayment.
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.
San Jose State delivers excellent return on educational investment, ranking at the 94.8th percentile nationally with a return index reflecting superior value creation. Graduates earn $25,635 beyond expectations compared to students with similar backgrounds, placing the institution at the 96.2nd percentile for earnings uplift performance.
Approximately 25.9% of San Jose State graduates continue to graduate or professional study, with high confidence in this estimate based on program mix...
Program mix explains much of the earnings story.
San Jose State's strongest earning programs leverage the institution's Silicon Valley location and technical program excellence. Computer Science graduates earn $136,471, Adult Health Nursing graduates earn $130,227, and Computer Engineering graduates earn $127,047, reflecting premium wages in technology and healthcare sectors.
Engineering programs consistently deliver strong outcomes, with Electrical Engineering at $123,144, Civil Engineering at $96,098, and Mechanical Engineering at $95,510. Even non-technical programs perform well, with Commercial Photography earning $82,682 and Biology graduates earning $71,804.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Earnings distribution shows substantial variation reflecting program diversity and career pathway differences. The range from $48,356 at the 25th percentile to $115,546 at the 75th percentile creates a 2.4:1 ratio, indicating significant upside potential for students in high-demand fields.
