San Jose State University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

San Jose, USA

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San Jose State University will be accepting applications from international students for Spring 2026 until September 30, 2025.

San Jose State University (SJSU), the oldest public university on the West Coast, is located in Silicon Valley. The campus blends a strong academic foundation with close industry ties, giving students many opportunities to put their learning into practice.

Admission to San Jose State University means joining a community of more than 36,000 students, including around 2,500 international students from all over the world. Nearly 44 percent of undergraduates are first-generation college students, and over 500 students participate in research each year.

With annual research spending exceeding $60 million (INR 5.1 billion) and partnerships with NASA Ames, Cisco, and many others, SJSU helps students connect their studies to real-world opportunities.

Before you explore further, here is a quick overview of San Jose State University courses and details for those planning to study in the USA:

Particular	Description
Established	1857
Type of University	Public Research University, USA
Annual Tuition Fees (Approx.) - International	UG: $17,494 (INR 14.9L) PG: $18,490 (INR 15.8L)
Total Campuses	Main campus: San Jose, California South Campus: Downtown San Jose
Intake for International Students	Fall Spring Summer
Top Programs	MS Computer engineering MS Software engineering MBA BS Computer Science BS Business Administration
Duration of Course	Undergraduate: 3–4 years Postgraduate: 1–2 years MBA: 1 year Doctorate: Varies
Ranking	QS Sustainability Rankings: #1181 U.S. News University Rankings: #4 in Regional Universities
Acceptance Rate	80%
enrollment	30,770
Student-Faculty Ratio	Approx. 17:1
Demography	Asian: 36.1% Hispanic: 28.2% White: 14.1% Non-resident Alien (International): 9.7% Two or More Races: 4.7% Unknown: 3.4% Black: 3.3% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 0.4% American Indian or Alaskan Native: 0.01%
International Student Support Wing	https://www.sjsu.edu/isss/

If you're sorting through your options for studying in the US, you might want to keep a few extra guides close at hand:

Curious about what it really takes to secure admission at San Jose State University? upGrad's advisors can guide you through each part of the process with clear, practical steps. You can book a free one-on-one consultation to receive honest advice on applications, funding opportunities, and the finer details that could strengthen your profile.

With this context in place, take a closer look at the campuses that give San Jose State its sense of community and belonging.

San Jose State University Admissions 2025

If you plan to apply to San Jose State University, you'll need to meet clear requirements for academics, English language scores, and your visa process. For example, undergraduate applicants whose first language is not English should aim for an IELTS score between 6.0 and 6.5, depending on the program.

To help you prepare, here's what you should know about the academic standards.

Academic Requirements

To gain admission to San Jose, first-year undergraduate applicants typically require an overall GPA equivalent to approximately 3.0. Graduate applicants are generally expected to hold a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA . If you studied outside the US, your transcripts must be officially evaluated.

Below is a detailed list of what you should have ready.

Academic Qualifications

SJSU considers your grades, course history, test results, and any required statements or letters of recommendation to better understand your academic fit. If you're transferring or applying with foreign credentials, you may need up to 3-4 sets of evaluated transcripts.

To help you prepare, here's what you should know about the academic standards:

Requirement	Details
Academic Background	UG: High school diploma or equivalent with an overall GPA of about 3.0. PG: Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; international degrees must be evaluated by WeS, ACeI, or eCe.
Transcripts	Official academic transcripts in sealed envelopes or secure electronic format. Foreign credentials must be translated and evaluated.
Standardized Tests	SAT or ACT scores are optional for undergraduates and mainly used for placement. Some graduate programs require GRE or GMAT scores; check your department's details.
English Proficiency	TOEFL: 61–80. IELTS: 6.0–6.5. Duolingo English Test: 95+. PTE: 44–53.
Personal Statement	Typically required for graduate programs, 1–2 pages explaining your goals and reasons for choosing SJSU.
Recommendation Letters	Usually required for graduate applicants (two or three). Undergraduate applicants typically do not need them.
Identification	A valid passport is required for all international students.
Financial Proof	Recent bank statements or sponsor letters showing you can cover at least one academic year.

Once you have gathered your academic records, make sure your English test results meet the standards.

Language Proficiency

Along with your academic record, you must also show your English proficiency level. For most programs, you'll be expected to reach a minimum TOEFL score of 61. Here's a clear breakdown of the minimum scores you should aim for:

Test	Minimum Score
TOEFL	61 (non-engineering) 80 (engineering and many graduate programs)
IELTS band score	6.0 (non-engineering) 6.5 (engineering and many graduate programs)
Duolingo English Test	95+
PTE	44–53

Some applicants may be exempt if they have completed at least three years of study in an English-medium school. Always check your program's specific language requirements.

Competitive exams

Undergraduate applicants may choose to submit SAT and ACT scores if they believe the scores will strengthen their application or help with placement. For reference, the middle 50% of undergraduates who submit SAT scores tend to fall between 1090 and 1330; for ACT, between 24 and 30.

See the table below for typical score expectations:

Criteria	Recommended Scores
SAT	Optional; middle 50%: 1090–1330
ACT	Optional; middle 50%: 24–30
GRE	Required for some programs, check your department
GMAT	Required for many MBA programs, varies by college

Having reviewed the exams, the next focus should be on securing the necessary visa to study in the US.

Visa Requirements

At San Jose State, international students represent a large and diverse part of the community. Once you receive an offer, you will need to show you can cover at least one year of study and living expenses before receiving your I-20 form.

Use the table below as a checklist for the main documents you'll need to prepare for your F-1 visa application:

Document	Details
I-20 Form	Provided after you accept your offer and submit proof of funds.
Valid Passport	Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
Financial Proof	Bank statements or sponsor letters showing available funds — usually around $41,000–$47,000 (INR 35–40L).
Admission Letter	Official offer letter from SJSU.
SEVIS Fee Receipt	Proof of payment for the I-901 SeVIS fee, currently $350 (INR 29.5K).
DS-160 Form	Online nonimmigrant visa application form.
Visa Appointment	Confirmation page for your interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.

Once visa requirements are sorted, aligning your application process with deadlines becomes a crucial next step.

Scholarships at San Jose State University 2025Scholarship

San Jose State University (SJSU) offers several scholarships to help students manage the cost of higher education in the US. SJSU offers funding opportunities that can total over $30,000 (INR 25.6L) across multiple years.

Below is an overview of what's available internally and through well-known external providers.

Internal Scholarships at San Jose State University

When you join SJSU, you may be eligible for internal scholarships that help cover tuition, research, or living costs. Some require a separate application, while others are nominated through departments. Many colleges also offer their own awards, which can range from $500 (INR 42.7K) to $5,000 (INR 4.3L).

Here are some key scholarships for Indian students to study in the USA you should know about:

Scholarship Name	Type	Details
Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP)	University-funded	Eligibility: Full-time doctoral students interested in teaching in the California State University system. Benefits: Up to $10,000 (INR 8.5L) per year, with a limit of $30,000 (INR 25.6L) over five years, awarded as a forgivable loan if the student secures CSU faculty employment.
Graduate Equity Fellowship Program	University-funded	eligibility: Graduate students enrolled at SJSU during the announced application cycle for the Fall/Spring academic year. Benefits: A $4,000 (INR 3.4L) award per student, which can help cover tuition, research materials, or living expenses.
Outstanding Thesis Award	University-funded	Eligibility: Each college may nominate one thesis for this university-wide competition. Benefits: The winning student or students receive $1,000 (INR 85.5K) and are recognized at the May Commencement ceremony.
SJSU HRI Aris Anagnos Graduate Student Scholarship	University-funded	Eligibility: Graduate students engaged in Human Rights Research are eligible to apply. Benefits: $3,000 (INR 2.6L) per year to support research expenses, conference travel, or fieldwork.

In addition to the internal funding options, let's now explore external scholarships available for students attending San Jose State University.

External Scholarships for SJSU Students

San Jose State University students can tap into a range of external scholarships to help offset costs. Awards like the Fulbright Scholarship or AAUW can cover anywhere from $2,500 (INR 2.1L) to $50,000 (INR 42.7L) a year. A bit of effort with applications can really cut down your tuition bills.

Here are a few standout opportunities worth considering:

Scholarship Name	Type	Details
Fulbright Programs	Government-funded	Eligibility: U.S. or international students planning research or graduate study abroad. Benefits: Covers full tuition, living expenses, and travel. Many Fulbright awards exceed $30,000 (INR 25.6L) per year.
Samer Habbas & Associates Annual Scholarship	Organization-funded	Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university. Benefits: $2,500 (INR 2.1L) to pay for college-related expenses. Requires a 2,000-word essay about an accident you or a loved one experienced, plus proof of student status.
Spokeo Artificial Intelligence Scholarship	Organization-funded	Eligibility: Students accepted to a U.S. college or university are eligible to apply. Benefits: A $5,000 (INR 4.3L) award for the student who submits the top essay as per the contest guidelines.
American Association of University Women (AAUW)	Organization-funded	Eligibility: Women graduate students in any field. Benefits: Funding can reach up to $50,000 (INR 42.7L) for dissertation or postdoctoral work.
Ford Foundation Fellowships	Organization-funded	Eligibility: Graduate students pursuing careers in college or university teaching. Benefits: Awards range up to $27,000 (INR 23L) for predoctoral study, with higher funding possible for dissertation research.

With scholarships covered, it's essential to consider the career placement opportunities that await graduates from San Jose State University.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as impaction, and how does it affect freshman and transfer admissions?

Impaction happens when there are more qualified applicants than spaces available. For example, SJSU receives over 35,000 undergraduate applications annually, and majors such as Computer Science and Business Administration admit only the top-ranked students. Local applicants from Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties receive a 0.25 GPA boost, which can be beneficial in competitive admission pools.

What is the Transfer Equivalency Petition (TEP) process for engineering courses?

Transfer students submit a TEP if they want to use community college coursework to meet SJSU’s lower-division requirements for their engineering major. Faculty review whether those credits meet department standards. Each year, hundreds of transfer students take advantage of this to avoid repeating coursework.

What are the immunization document requirements and deadlines after admission?

New students must show proof of immunizations for MMR, meningitis, and tuberculosis screening. These must be submitted by the deadline in your MySJSU account, usually before orientation or registration. Students who miss it risk having an enrollment hold, so over 90% get this done on time.

What are the conditional admission requirements for Engineering Extended Studies?

A. Some applicants get conditionally admitted and must complete specific prerequisites like calculus or physics with at least a C grade before moving on. Around 10% of new engineering students receive this type of admission, and the exact conditions are outlined in their offer letter.

Does San José State University offer application fee waivers

Yes, students who meet financial need or other qualifying conditions can get a Cal State Apply fee waiver. More than 1,200 students received a waiver last year. Local applicants may also benefit from extra GPA points in the impaction process.

Can international students apply as transfer students to San José State University?

Yes. International students can apply as transfers if they’ve completed transferable coursework at accredited colleges or universities. They must also provide proof of English proficiency and financial support. About 12% of SJSU students come from outside the United States.

How can I change or add a major or minor at San José State University?

Students must complete a Change of Major or Minor form, get department approval, and submit it to the Registrar. Some majors have GPA minimums or portfolio requirements. Department capacity matters too, so pay attention to deadlines in your MySJSU.

What is the procedure for appealing an admission decision at San José State University?

If you think your admission decision was incorrect, you can file an Undergraduate Admission Appeal within 15 business days. You’ll need documents to back up your case. Only a small fraction of appeals get approved, but each one is reviewed carefully.

What public transportation options are available for students, and are there any student discounts?

SJSU students ride VTA buses and light rail for local trips and use Caltrain or ACE for longer commutes. The university offers discounted Clipper passes, and about 40% of students rely on public transit at least once a week.

Are there specific programs or resources for first-generation college students at SJSU?

The Educational Opportunity Program supports first-gen students with advising, peer mentors, and grant help. About 44% of undergrads at SJSU are first-generation, so there’s a strong community and extra support to help students adjust and stay on track.

How does San José State University support student entrepreneurship or innovation?

The Lucas College of Business and Spartan Entrepreneurship Center offer students pitch competitions, mentoring, co-working space, and seed funding. Dozens of student teams develop ideas each year with the help of alumni and local business leaders.

About University

1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA 95192, United States

Founded in 1857

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More About San Jose State University

USPs of San Jose State University

Some USPs of San Jose State University:

36,000 students and close to 4,300 staff members.
A vital partner in the cultural, economic, and social growth of California and Silicon Valley.
It has been ranked #1 by Money magazine as the most transformative university.
It has also been ranked #4 by U.S. News and World Report for the best engineering program at the undergraduate level.
The institution has also been acknowledged as one of the country’s top institutions for diversity by the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education (THE).
As part of its upgrade blueprint, the university is coming up with a Student Wellness Center over 53,000 sq ft and a Campus Village along with a Science Park.

Education at San Jose State University

The institution has more than 250 academic areas or disciplines where students can pursue bachelor’s, doctoral, and master’s programs. The San Jose State University acceptance rate is 67%.

Career-wise, students are helped in finding the best jobs and internships along with taking up various innovative research and other projects. More than 9,000 local and 30,000 global recruiters and employers hire students from the institution, as per reports.

The list of famous alumni includes the following:

Coby Bell, actor, and producer.
Mary Blair, graphic designer, artist, and illustrator.
Robert Graham, sculptor.
Omar Benson Miller, actor.
Steve Silver, founder of Beach Blanket Babylon.
Donald Beall, ex-Chairman and CEO, Rockwell.
Deborah Ale Flint, President, Greater Toronto Airports Authority.
Margaret Shallenberger McNaught, the first state commissioner for elementary schools and the first to teach at the School of Education, Stanford University.

Address

The address of San Jose State University is 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA 95192, United States.

Public or Private Status

San Jose State University is a public institution.

Times Higher Education Rankings

The San Jose State University ranking is 1001-1200th in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2022.

San Jose State University is ranked #22 in Best Regional Universities West Rankings, as per US News & World Report.

Top Offered Courses at San Jose State University

Business Management
Engineering
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Marketing
Psychology
Family and Consumer Sciences
Biotechnology and Healthcare

The San Jose State University fees stand at $396 (approximately INR 28-29,000) per unit + registration fees for non-resident students. MBA and MS programs are charged at $270 (approximately INR 19-20,000) per unit, along with basic costs of registration.

Admission Requirements for San Jose State University

There are numerous requirements for San Jose State University admissions including the following:

Academic requirements include official academic transcripts and records.
Coursework outside the country will be evaluated for admissions.
English language proficiency proof.

Required Exams at San Jose State University

There are numerous San Jose State University requirements for standardized examinations including the following:

TOEFL iBT- Minimum 61.
TOEFL PBT- Minimum 500.
PTE- Minimum 44.
IELTS- Minimum 6.0.
Duolingo- Minimum 95.

Scholarships for San Jose State University

The Financial Aid & Scholarship Office at San Jose State University offers financial support and scholarships for eligible international students. They will only get merit-based scholarships as need-based programs will come under Financial Aid that is not available for international students. Scholarships and financial support are provided by various agencies and organizations including churches and other fraternal entities.

You may also have eligibility for departmental scholarships and student assistantships. The university also recommends online resources like FastWeb and IEFA to research for scholarship opportunities.

Placements at San Jose State University

The San Jose State University has its own dedicated Career Centre where students can explore their available professional options, connect with possible mentors and guides, and also take self-assessment and reflection programs. They can meet up with their career counselors while gaining practical and professional skills alike. They can build up skills required by employers in major industries through guidance, mentorships, internships, volunteering initiatives, and service-learning programs. They can also work in the university community for greater social impact.

Students of San Jose State University, USA, get help with building their resumes, personal brands, cover letters, and their searching strategies. They also get assistance with networking opportunities. More than 9,000 national and 30,000 global companies hire students from the university which is a major plus point for aspirants. You will also find numerous career fairs and events here. 13 such fairs are held every year along with employee-centric events and those centering on career education.

There are also career apps and guides along with personalized support and assistance. There are numerous learning and internship initiatives available for students. Leading recruiters include PwC, TCS North America, Kohl’s, ABC Supply Co. Inc, NetApp, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Google, and many others.

Top USA Universities

University Name	Acceptance Rate	Ranking	University Type
Michigan State University	83.30%	77	Public
University of Texas at Arlington	93.00%	1400	Public
Wright State University	96.00%	440	Public
University of Texas at Dallas	87.00%	530	Public
University of Arizona	87.30%	262	Public
University of Illinois at Chicago	79.00%	317	Public
Kent State University	87.00%	1200	Public
Georgia College	63.70%	22	Public
University of South Florida	49.00%	650	Public
Capital University	74.20%	600	Private
Governors State University	52.00%	166	Public
Florida Atlantic University	78.00%	1400	Public
California State University	91.00%	1400	Public
Gannon University	83.60%	227	Private
Georgia State University	69.00%	1000	Public
Illinois Institute of Technology	60.70%	443	Private
University of Bridgeport	71.00%	249	Private
Johns Hopkins University	8.00%	24	Private
University of Dayton	81.00%	127	Private
University of Alabama at Birmingham	88.50%	700	Public
Rutgers University	68.20%	264	Public
Syracuse University	59.20%	650	Private
University of Texas Austin	28.70%	72	Public
San Jose State University	84.40%	1001-1200	Public
University of Houston	65.50%	751	Public
Webster University	59.40%	600	Private
Colorado State University	83.50%	408	Public
Stony Brook University	48.90%	416	Public
Central Michigan University	68.70%	1400	Public
Illinois State University	92.00%	1400	Public

San Jose State University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

0

No of Courses

#

Rank(QS Top Universities)

Public

University Type

Overview

San Jose State University Admissions 2025

Academic Requirements

Academic Qualifications

Language Proficiency

Competitive exams

Visa Requirements

Scholarships at San Jose State University 2025Scholarship

Internal Scholarships at San Jose State University

External Scholarships for SJSU Students

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as impaction, and how does it affect freshman and transfer admissions?

What is the Transfer Equivalency Petition (TEP) process for engineering courses?

What are the immunization document requirements and deadlines after admission?

What are the conditional admission requirements for Engineering Extended Studies?

Does San José State University offer application fee waivers

Can international students apply as transfer students to San José State University?

How can I change or add a major or minor at San José State University?

What is the procedure for appealing an admission decision at San José State University?

What public transportation options are available for students, and are there any student discounts?

Are there specific programs or resources for first-generation college students at SJSU?

How does San José State University support student entrepreneurship or innovation?

About University

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Master of Business Administration (Admission closing on 15th July)

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Master of Business Administration

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More About San Jose State University

USPs of San Jose State University

Education at San Jose State University

Address

Public or Private Status

Times Higher Education Rankings

Top Offered Courses at San Jose State University

Admission Requirements for San Jose State University

Required Exams at San Jose State University

Scholarships for San Jose State University

Placements at San Jose State University

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