San Jose State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
San Jose State’s 84.6% acceptance rate is encouraging, but the counterintuitive takeaway is that SAT or ACT scores are not your lever here because the school is test-free. Your best strategy is to keep your GPA near or above the 3.53 entering average and build a course record that fits your intended major.
⬡ LangSmitha8b0ac75-c0e3-47f1-a3f7-71a58c9f3c7aData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
San Jose State University facts and stats
San Jose State University enrolls about 28,008 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. San Jose State has an 87% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 69% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 26:1. San Jose State uses a test-free admissions policy.
⬡ LangSmithb9725d84-7ee4-4d06-937e-53a3e7ffc0ecSan Jose, CA
How does your GPA compare at San Jose State?
Key San Jose State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
November 30
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
San Jose State is test-free, so you do not need SAT or ACT scores for its November 30 application deadline. Any retakes or superscoring strategy only matter for other test-using colleges on your list.
⬡ LangSmith404e70cd-4a53-4b3a-96d5-29ffde545e7aWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at San Jose State University?
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What you'll actually pay
San Jose State, a public Mountain West Conference university, lists in-state tuition at $6,084 and out-of-state tuition at $18,684. About 54% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $3,146. Submit the FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.
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At San Jose State University, out-of-state tuition is $18,684, while in-state tuition is $6,084. Room and board adds about $17,649, so total costs can vary significantly by residency and housing choices. About 54% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $15,264. Graduates leave with an average debt of $17,110.
⬡ LangSmitheb86dc22-fc42-44cb-8632-7fbe56447b49Student life at San Jose State University
17% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
California State University, Fresno
Fresno, CAAcceptance rate: 95.3%
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CAAcceptance rate: 90.5%
SAT: 860–1070
ACT: 22–30
California State University, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 91.3%
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CAAcceptance rate: 76.8%
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