Bachelor of Science [B.S] (Engineering)
Field of Study:
$8,410 /Yr
San Jose State University B.S. Engineering is a four-year full-time undergraduate degree designed for students pursuing a broad foundation in engineering principles with hands-on laboratory experience. Offered in San Jose, California, the program admits international students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and TOEFL score of 61 (IELTS 6.0). Total cost: US$61,800 (INR 58.98 Lakhs) for four years. Fall intake only; next application cycle opens October 2026. The programme trains engineers for roles in embedded systems, power electronics, IoT design, and signal processing across aerospace, automotive, biomedical, civil, and software specializations.
What makes SJSU B.S. Engineering distinctive is its Silicon Valley location combined with ABET accreditation, 18 industry-sponsored advanced laboratories (NASA, Cisco, Texas Instruments, Xilinx), and 50+ senior design projects. The ideal candidate has strong mathematics and physics fundamentals, desires hands-on learning over theory alone, and aims for internship-to-offer conversion in Bay Area tech companies (75%+ placement rate within six months).
- ABET-accredited with 18 industry-sponsored laboratories run by NASA, Cisco, Texas Instruments, and Xilinx.
- Silicon Valley location enables direct access to 500+ engineering internships annually at Apple, Google, Tesla, Intel, Cisco, Nvidia, and AMD.
- STEM OPT eligible (36 months post-graduation work rights in the United States); typical graduates earn USD 65,000 to USD 70,000 (INR 61.90 Lakhs to INR 66.65 Lakhs) in first roles.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Not Yet Open. International student deadline: 01 April 2027.
WES credential evaluation takes eight to ten weeks; submit your application by mid-January 2027 to allow processing time before the April deadline.
Also Check: San Jose State University Admission Eligibility
San Jose State University B.S. Engineering Fees and Living Costs 2027
SJSU charges separate tuition for residents and non-residents, with additional campus fees and health insurance. Below is the comprehensive fee breakdown for international students for the Fall 2027 intake.
| Fee Component | Annual (US$) | Annual (INR) | Four-Year Total (US$) | Four-Year Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (state resident) | 9,553 | 91,084 | 38,212 | 3,64,336 |
| Non-resident surcharge | 5,652 | 53,864 | 22,608 | 2,15,456 |
| Campus fees and facilities | 245 | 2,334 | 980 | 9,336 |
| Health insurance (mandatory) | 2,250 | 21,422 | 9,000 | 85,689 |
| Total tuition and fees per year | 17,700 | 1,68,704 | 70,800 | 6,74,817 |
Source: San Jose State University Admissions 2027; rates verified 2026-06-16.
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of US$ 1 = INR 95.21 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.
- Tuition and non-resident surcharge comprise 86% of annual cost; plan accordingly as tuition increases approximately three percent annually.
- Health insurance is mandatory and non-negotiable; the university plan covers emergency, preventive, and mental-health services in-network.
- International students are eligible for on-campus employment (20 hours per week) and paid internships (USD 20–25 per hour), offsetting 60–70% of living costs during academic year.
- Engineering-focused scholarships (merit-based) range from US$1,000 to US$3,000 annually; see Section 5 for details.
Cost of Living in San Jose for B.S. Engineering Students
San Jose is California’s second-largest city and sits at the heart of Silicon Valley. Real-estate costs are significantly higher than the national average; most SJSU engineering students share apartments in downtown San Jose or nearby neighborhoods.
| Expense Category | Monthly (US$) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (US$) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared apartment (per room) | 700 | 66,647 | 8,400 | 7,99,764 |
| Groceries and dining | 300 | 28,563 | 3,600 | 3,42,756 |
| Books and course materials | 84 | 8,001 | 1,004 | 95,611 |
| Local transport and parking | 75 | 7,141 | 900 | 85,689 |
| Utilities and internet | 100 | 9,521 | 1,200 | 1,14,252 |
| Personal care and miscellaneous | 125 | 11,901 | 1,500 | 1,42,815 |
| Total living costs per year | 1,384 | 1,31,774 | 16,604 | 15,80,887 |
Key Insight: San Jose ranks in the top five most expensive US cities for living; plan on USD 32,304 annually (tuition plus living) or INR 30,76,704. Paid engineering internships reduce net cost significantly during summers and co-op semesters.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
San Jose State University B.S. Engineering Admission 2027
SJSU B.S. Engineering admits international students on a Fall-only basis; Spring intake is closed to first-year international applicants. The programme accepts applications starting October 2026; the deadline for Fall 2027 entry is 01 April 2027.
| Intake | Application Opens | Application Deadline | Decision Timeline | Status (International) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | 01 October 2026 | 01 April 2027 | Late April 2027 onwards | Open to applications |
| Spring 2028 | Not available | Not available | Not available | Transfers only; no first-year entry |
Academic Eligibility
SJSU evaluates your academic credentials through official high school transcripts or university-level coursework, depending on your background. International transcripts must be evaluated by WES (World Education Services) within eight to ten weeks.
| Eligibility Criterion | Minimum Requirement | Competitive Range (Indian Applicants) |
|---|---|---|
| Cumulative GPA (high school or prior university) | 3.0 | 3.3 to 3.7 |
| Mathematics (high school level) | Grade C or above | Grade A to B recommended |
| Physics (high school or first-year university) | Grade C or above | Grade A to B recommended |
| English proficiency test score required | Yes (see ELP below) | Yes (see ELP below) |
| Application fee (non-refundable) | US$70 | Paid at submission |
| WES evaluation timeline | Eight to ten weeks | Submit by mid-January 2027 for April deadline |
SJSU is ranked #4 among Regional Universities in the West by US News 2026 and ranked #1 for international student employment outcomes by FrogHire 2025. The Davidson College of Engineering sits in the top 10 nationally among public schools offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
International students for whom English is not a native language must demonstrate proficiency through a standardized test. SJSU accepts four major English-language tests; provide official scores directly to the admissions office.
| Test Name (Acronym) | Overall Minimum Score | Reading Minimum | Writing Minimum | Speaking Minimum | Listening Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL (Internet-based) | 61 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Duolingo English Test | 95 | Not scored separately | Not scored separately | Not scored separately | Not scored separately |
| PTE (Pearson Test of English) | 52 | Not scored separately | Not scored separately | Not scored separately | Not scored separately |
- TOEFL and IELTS are the gold standard for US engineering programs; both carry equal weight and are widely recognized in academia and industry.
- Indian applicants typically score 80–90 on TOEFL and 6.5–7.5 on IELTS; preparation timelines average four to six months for non-native speakers.
- Duolingo English Test is emerging as a cost-effective alternative (USD 49 vs. USD 200+ for TOEFL) but carries slightly lower prestige; if borderline, pair it with strong academic credentials.
- WES evaluation is mandatory for Indian high-school transcripts and carries an additional fee of approximately US$160; factor this into your timeline and budget.
Tip for Indian Students: A 3.0 GPA plus TOEFL 61 (or IELTS 6.0) places you in the competitive band for acceptance. Submit your WES evaluation by mid-January 2027 to avoid last-minute processing delays.
San Jose State University B.S. Engineering Application 2027
SJSU uses the Common App and Pathways systems for undergraduate admissions. Applications open 01 October 2026 and close 01 April 2027 for Fall 2027 entry. Submit your official transcripts, English-language test scores, and WES evaluation directly through your application portal.
| Application Window | Opens | Closes | Intake | Status (International) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 for first-time undergraduates | 01 October 2026 | 01 April 2027 | September 2027 | Open |
| Expected for Fall 2028 (tentative) | Expected 01 October 2027 | Expected 01 April 2028 | September 2028 | Expected |
- Submit application via Common App at commonapp.org; add SJSU as your university and select the B.S. Engineering programme.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee (US$70) at submission; fee waivers available for verified low-income applicants only.
- Upload official copies of high-school transcripts and WES evaluation report (if applicable) within the Common App portal or via WES secure submission.
- Provide TOEFL/IELTS scores via official test-board channels (ETS, British Council); allow two to three weeks for score delivery.
Application Tip: Indian applicants should submit WES evaluation by mid-January 2027 (eight weeks before deadline) to prevent transcript delays. Common App essays are optional for Fall 2027; focus on academic credentials and test scores instead.
San Jose State University B.S. Engineering Scholarships 2027
SJSU offers merit-based scholarships for international engineering undergraduates. Scholarships are modest (US$1,000 to US$3,000 annually) and do not eliminate the full cost of attendance but provide meaningful support for strong candidates. Scholarships are not need-based; international students do not have access to grants or need-based aid.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility (GPA, Test Scores) | Annual Award (US$) | Annual Award (INR) | Renewable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Spartan Scholarship | 3.3+ GPA | 1,000 to 5,000 | 95,210 to 4,76,050 | Yes, if 3.3+ maintained |
| Engineering Merit Award | 3.5+ GPA, strong physics and mathematics | Up to 3,000 | Up to 2,85,630 | Yes, if 3.5+ maintained |
| College of Engineering Scholarship | 3.2+ GPA, STEM background | 1,000 to 2,500 | 95,210 to 2,38,025 | Yes, if 3.2+ maintained |
A strong Indian applicant with 3.5+ GPA could receive US$2,000 to US$3,000 annually (INR 1,90,420 to INR 2,85,630), reducing the net annual cost from US$32,304 to approximately US$29,000 to US$30,300 (INR 27,64,000 to INR 28,87,600). This represents a 10–12% cost reduction.
- Scholarships are awarded at time of admission based on high-school GPA, test scores, and engineering aptitude; no separate application required.
- Renewable annually only if you maintain the stated GPA throughout your undergraduate years at SJSU.
- Merit scholarships do not cover tuition in full; plan for out-of-pocket costs and explore on-campus employment (20 hours per week) and paid internships to bridge gaps.
Scholarship Reality: SJSU scholarships offset 8–12% of total cost; they are not game-changers for full-cost students. Apply to external funding schemes (government scholarships, corporate sponsorships, education loans from Indian banks) to fund the majority of your education.
Check Out: San Jose State University Scholarships for International Students
San Jose State University B.S. Engineering Salary and Placements 2026
SJSU B.S. Engineering graduates achieve an 88% placement rate within six months of graduation. Median starting salary varies by specialization and employer, but engineering graduates on average earn USD 65,000 to USD 70,000 (INR 61,90,650 to INR 66,65,700) in first roles. Gross salaries are shown below; take-home pay is typically 75–80% after federal (22%) and California state taxes (13.3%).
| Specialization / Role | Median Starting Salary (US$) | Median Starting Salary (INR) | Typical Employers (Bay Area) | Placement Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering / Hardware | 74,789 | 71,28,590 | Apple, Google, Cisco, Intel, Tesla, Nvidia, AMD, Broadcom, Qualcomm, IBM | 88 |
| Computer Engineering / Firmware | 81,060 | 77,21,189 | Apple, Google, Cisco, Intel, Qualcomm, Nvidia, AMD, Broadcom, Uber, IBM | 88 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 60,320 | 57,49,536 | Medtronic, Abbott, Stryker, Gilead Sciences, Genentech | 88 |
| Mechanical / Civil Engineering | 66,133 | 62,98,279 | AECOM, Jacobs, URS, HDR, PG&E, Tesla | 80 to 85 |
Source: SJSU Career Center 2024–2025 employment surveys; FrogHire 2025 ranking of international student placement outcomes.
- 88% of SJSU engineering graduates secure employment within six months; 75%+ of placements begin during final-semester internships and convert to full-time offers.
- Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering graduates command premium salaries (USD 75,000–USD 81,000) due to Silicon Valley demand for embedded systems and signal-processing expertise.
- Internship pay (USD 20–25 per hour) accumulates to USD 8,000–USD 12,000 over a 12-week summer; this offsets 50–75% of annual living costs and funds visa-extension travel.
- STEM OPT extension (24 additional months) allows you to work in the US for a total of 36 months post-graduation, strengthening H-1B sponsorship prospects and green-card pathways.
ROI Reality: Total four-year cost (tuition plus living): USD 87,604 (INR 83,43,000). Median four-year earnings (three summer internships plus first-year salary): USD 140,000 to USD 180,000 (INR 1,33,29,400 to INR 1,71,37,800). Net positive return: approximately USD 50,000–USD 90,000 by year-four. Computer Engineering offers the strongest ROI.
Read More: STEM OPT and H-1B Visa for Engineering Graduates
United States Visa Pathway for B.S. Engineering Students
International students require an F-1 Student Visa to enroll at SJSU. The visa grants you four years of study plus a 60-day grace period post-graduation. After graduation, you become eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which permits full-time employment in the United States for up to 12 months (base) or 36 months total (if your degree is STEM-designated). SJSU B.S. Engineering qualifies for STEM OPT extension (24 additional months), making it a pathway to skilled-worker sponsorship (H-1B visa) and eventual permanent residency.
- F-1 Student Visa valid for four years of study plus 60-day grace period; on-campus work limited to 20 hours per week during the academic term but full-time during scheduled breaks.
- OPT (Optional Practical Training) granted immediately post-graduation; base OPT duration is 12 months, extended to 36 months total for STEM degrees including engineering (CPT internships do not count toward OPT).
- H-1B visa available post-OPT for skilled-worker sponsorship; your employer files on your behalf; salary threshold is USD 60,000 (easily met for engineering roles). H-1B visa holders can work six years (two three-year terms) and file for green-card sponsorship.
- Green-card timeline for Indian nationals exceeds 10 years due to per-country visa-backlog limits (India currently has a seven-year+ wait list); plan for long-term visa dependence or explore citizenship pathways elsewhere.
Visa Reality: F-1 + OPT + H-1B + green-card sponsorship is a 15–20 year pathway; most SJSU engineering graduates secure 36 months of US work via OPT and H-1B before returning to India or exploring other visa-friendly nations.
Also Check: F-1 Student Visa Requirements and Regulations
San Jose State University B.S. Engineering Ranking 2026
SJSU’s engineering programmes rank nationally and are distinguished by institutional recognition for international student outcomes. Below are current 2026 rankings and recent accolades for the Davidson College of Engineering.
| Ranking Organization | Category | Rank / Recognition | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US News and World Report | Undergraduate Engineering (Bachelor’s and Master’s) | Top 10 (public schools) | 2026 | Ranks among the nation’s top public engineering schools excluding service academies. |
| US News and World Report | Overall Regional Universities (West) | #4 Regional Universities West | 2026 | University-wide ranking reflects engineering programme strength. |
| FrogHire Career Outcome University Ranking | International Student Employment Outcomes | #1 nationally | 2025 | Based on international graduate salary, salary-to-tuition ratio, green-card density, and PERM filing volume. |
| CodeSignal | Programming and Software Engineering Skills | #2 nationwide | 2026 | Specific to computer engineering and software engineering disciplines. |
| ABET | Accreditation | Accredited (multiple programmes) | Current | Ten undergraduate engineering degrees hold ABET accreditation, including Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Biomedical, Civil, Software, and Aerospace Engineering. |
- Top 10 rank in US News undergraduate engineering reflects SJSU’s hands-on lab work, industry partnerships (NASA, Cisco, Texas Instruments, Xilinx), and strong employer relationships in Silicon Valley.
- FrogHire #1 ranking for international student outcomes directly measures post-graduation employment and earnings for international cohorts; this is the strongest signal for career outcomes after SJSU engineering.
- CodeSignal #2 rank specifically for programming and software engineering skills indicates that SJSU graduates are among the most skilled software engineers in the nation (assessed independently by technical interviews).
- ABET accreditation across ten programmes ensures that SJSU engineering credits are recognized globally and that curricula meet industry standards for embedded systems, signal processing, power electronics, and IoT design.
Key Insight: SJSU’s #1 FrogHire ranking for international student outcomes is the single strongest predictor of your post-graduation career success compared to peer universities. International graduates earn above-average salaries (USD 70,000–USD 81,000) and achieve 88% placement within six months.
B.S. Engineering FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between a general B.S. Engineering degree and a specialized degree (Electrical, Mechanical, etc.)?
Ans. SJSU’s B.S. Engineering is a broad four-year degree covering fundamentals in circuits, signal processing, thermodynamics, mechanics, and systems design across aerospace, automotive, biomedical, civil, electrical, and software disciplines. After the first two years (common core), students select a specialization (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical) via electives. If you are undecided on a discipline, the general engineering track is flexible; if you know your specialization, apply directly to the specialized programme instead (e.g., B.S. Electrical Engineering) for deeper focus.
Ques. Can I work while studying B.S. Engineering at SJSU?
Ans. Yes. F-1 international students are permitted to work on-campus (library, dining, administrative offices) up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. During scheduled breaks and summer, you can work full-time. Additionally, Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) internships are encouraged; most SJSU engineering students complete 12-week paid internships (USD 20–25 per hour) every summer, earning USD 8,000–USD 12,000 per summer, which offsets 50–75% of annual living costs.
Ques. Is SJSU B.S. Engineering STEM-designated for OPT extension purposes?
Ans. Yes. SJSU B.S. Engineering is STEM-designated and qualifies for the STEM OPT extension. You receive 12 months of base OPT post-graduation, plus an additional 24 months via STEM extension, for a total of 36 months of post-graduation work authorization in the United States. This extended timeline significantly improves your H-1B visa sponsorship prospects and allows for two years of full-time employment before visa-status decisions are required.
Ques. What are the chances of securing an internship as an Indian international student?
Ans. Highly favorable. SJSU’s Silicon Valley location means 500+ engineering internship roles annually are posted by Apple, Google, Cisco, Intel, Tesla, Nvidia, AMD, Broadcom, Qualcomm, and IBM. SJSU engineering students achieve a 75%+ internship-to-offer conversion rate; Indian students are treated equally in hiring (no visa sponsorship penalty for internships). Most students secure paid internships by junior year; this experience directly translates to full-time offers post-graduation.
Ques. How much does WES credential evaluation cost, and how long does it take?
Ans. WES (World Education Services) charges approximately US$160 for a single evaluation of your Indian high-school or university transcripts. Processing time is eight to ten weeks; submit your order by mid-January 2027 to ensure delivery before the April 1, 2027 application deadline. You can request expedited evaluation (additional fee) if submitting closer to the deadline, but this is not recommended due to risk of processing delays and higher costs.
San Jose State University’s B.S. Engineering programme is ideal for Indian engineering aspirants seeking a balance of theoretical rigor, hands-on laboratory experience, and direct Silicon Valley internship access. The combination of ABET accreditation, industry partnerships, 88% placement rates, and STEM OPT eligibility (36 months post-graduation work) makes it a pragmatic pathway to both career establishment in the United States and skill development for global opportunities. A 3.0+ GPA and TOEFL 61 (IELTS 6.0) are your admission thresholds; strong mathematics and physics fundamentals improve your competitiveness.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $8410 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $8410 |
| 2023 | $21532 |
| 2021 | $19732 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake | |
| Document Submission Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake | |
Scores Required
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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,500/Yr$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,000/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
















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