San José State University (SJSU) is a public research university in the heart of Silicon Valley in downtown San José, California. It has a student body of more than 36,000 students, with it being one of the largest in the California State University system. The admissions are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 80%. The most popular majors at SJSU are Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Social Sciences, and Health Professions. The six-year graduation rate is approximately 65%. Silicon Valley employers are convenient for graduates with a median income of approximately INR 67,00,000 (converted from $80,600) ten years post-graduation.
Santa Clara University (SCU) is a private Jesuit university based in Silicon Valley, in Santa Clara, California. It is a mid-sized school with approximately 9,200 students. Admissions become competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 44%. Popular majors are Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Psychology, and Communication. SCU boasts an excellent academic reputation, with a graduation rate of around 88% over six years. Alumni results are highly commendable, with a median salary of almost INR 86,00,000 (converted from $103,000) within ten years of graduation.
| San Jose State University | Santa Clara University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.7 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 1513 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 1624 US News 2024 # 1418 US News 2023 | # 1307 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 60 US News 2024 # 1631 US News 2024 |
| Subject Strength | # 1001 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2022 # 1001 for Law by Times Higher Education 2022 | # 181 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 156 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -127 PG Programs -78 | UG Programs -30 PG Programs -19 |
| Acceptance Rate | 85.0 % | 44.0 % |
| Exam Score | Duolingo-120 IELTS-6.5 PTE-53 TOEFL-80 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1270 TOEFL-90 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 19732 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 16753 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 22702 Per Year | Hostel + Meal - 32064 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Some of the program and average salary are:
| Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: MBA: $137,000 Masters in Science: $130,000 Bachelor of Science: $123,000 Bachelor of Arts: $70,000 |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit LORs Submit English language requirements Check program specific requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit LORs Submit English language proficiency scores Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.6/10 Read 12 reviews | 7.5/10 Read 11 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 1001 for Business by Times Higher Education 2022 | # 151 for Business by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021 |
| application | # 560 Admissions # 95 % Acceptance Rate | - |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 80/120 | Duolingo - 110/160GMAT - 650/805GRE - 309/340IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 4.6/6 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Apr 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Oct 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer 2026 Intake) | Apr 1, 2026 (Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Jun 1, 2026 (Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | San Jose State University | Santa Clara University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1857 | 1851 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 26:1 | 11:1 |
| Male:Female | 52% Male, 0% Female | 50% Male, 50% Female |
| Location Facts | SJSU is the oldest public university on the West Coast and the founding campus of the California State University (CSU) system. Located in downtown San Jose, the SJSU main campus is situated on 154 acres , or roughly 19 square blocks. | The university address is in Santa Clara, California, though a significant part of the campus lies over the border into San Jose, California. |
| Library |
| SCU’s libraries are much more than book repositories; they’re inspiring spaces for research, collaboration, and reflection. Spanning 194,000 square feet on four levels, the university library features energy-efficient lighting, light-filled public spaces, three open-air terraces, wireless networking, an art gallery, more than a million books, and over 200 new computers. |
| Campus Life | The San Jose State University's campus is separated into two sections:
| Santa Clara offers its students the opportunity to engage in over 125 registered student organizations (or clubs).[65] RSO's are partially funded by the university via the student government, ASG. These Organizations span from Athletic/Recreational, Careers/Pre-professional, Community Service, Ethnic/Cultural, Business Fraternities, Health/Counseling, Media/Publications, Music/Dance/Creative Arts, Political/Social Awareness to Religious/Philosophical. The Associated Student Government of Santa Clara University (ASGSCU) is Santa Clara University's student government, an elected representative body for undergraduate students. Santa Clara participates in NCAA's Division I and is a member of the West Coast Conference. Sports include boxing, cycling, equestrian, paintball, men's lacrosse, women's lacrosse, men's rugby, women's rugby, men's Ultimate, women's Ultimate, men's volleyball, women's volleyball, men's ice hockey, sailing, Shotokan karate, swimming, triathlon, and women's field hockey. |
| Hostel | #MISCELLANEOUS / PERSONAL - $2564 | #Off campus (not with family) - $13293 #On campus - $14487 #Off campus (with family) - $4284 |
| Famous Alumni | San Jose State University has over 270,000 alumni from various countries. Some of the San Jose State University's notable alumni are:
| Andy Ackerman, producer and director, Seinfeld Lawrence A. Fernsworth, journalist and author |
| City Life | San Jose is the third most populous city in California and is considered one of the best places to live in California. San Jose is most notable for its affluent lifestyle, flourishing job market, cultural diversity, and beautiful natural landscape. Providing residents with a mixture of urban and suburban living is always something to do, and the public school system is highly rated. Considered the leader of the technology revolution, the city is booming with the high-tech industry at the front and center. The heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose, has become the desired location for innovators and world leaders of many software and computer companies. San Jose is home to over 6,600 technology companies and start-ups. Attracting only the best in the industry to the area, the demographic continues to change as young professionals move in with hopes of landing a job at one of the top company names in the nation. Some of the most well-known companies headquartered in San Jose include Adobe, PayPal, Cisco, eBay, Calyx Software, Verifone, Sage Intacct, and Western Digital. Other industry leaders such as Apple, Google, and Netflix are located close by in the neighboring cities of Cupertino, Mountain View, Palo Alto, and Menlo Park. | Santa Clara, California is an idyllic city located in Santa Clara County. With its stunning parks and trails, great shopping and dining opportunities, and plenty of local attractions, Santa Clara has something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts will be ecstatic when they explore all that the city has to offer while business owners can take advantage of the many resources available. Education is also top-notch in Santa Clara with numerous schools, universities, and medical centers close at hand. Whether you’re looking for a new home or simply wanting to have some fun, Santa Clara is sure to provide the perfect experience! |
| Weather |
San José State University vs Santa Clara University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
San José State University (SJSU): Ranked in the 1001-1200 global range (QS 2026), SJSU is most recognized regionally and nationally for Engineering, Business, Computer Science, and Design. Its Silicon Valley location makes it a solid feeder school for tech firms.Santa Clara University (SCU): not ranled in 2026 SCU is a private, Jesuit institution with excellence in Business (Leavey School of Business), Law, Engineering, and Liberal Arts. It is renowned for ethics, leadership, and Silicon Valley industry connections.
General Information
SJSU: Established in 1857, SJSU is a public university in the California State University (CSU) system, with ~36,000 students. It has a large, diverse student population and a strong urban campus in downtown San José.SCU: Established in 1851, SCU is a private, Jesuit university with ~9,200 students. It provides a smaller, more intimate campus experience, blending liberal arts and professional education.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
SJSU: Moderately selective 80% accept rate, although schools such as Engineering and Computer Science are more competitive.SCU: More selective 44% accept rate, holistic admissions process focusing on academics, extracurriculars, and mission fit.
Research Impact & Facilities
SJSU: More emphasis on applied research and workforce training, close relationships with tech firms such as Apple, Google, and Cisco for co-ops and internships.SCU: Emphasizes business, law, engineering, and ethics research, with facilities that prioritize innovation, social impact, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Cost & Financial Aid
SJSU: Being a public CSU, it is much cheaper for California residents, a good value; very limited assistance for international students.SCU: An independent university with a higher cost, but with rich merit scholarships and need-based financial aid, so tuition becomes more affordable for accepted students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
SJSU: A leading feeder school to Silicon Valley tech companies, with graduates doing well in engineering, software design, business, and design. Most graduates are hired by large companies right after graduation.SCU: Alumni succeed in business management, law, entrepreneurship, and engineering, frequently in executive and managerial positions within Silicon Valley and elsewhere, aided by a close-knit Jesuit alumni network.
