San Jose City College: $1,366 Tuition

$1,366Tuition

7,039Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$46,215Earnings

Public2-yearIndependentStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About San Jose City College

San Jose City College serves as Silicon Valley's community college gateway, drawing 7,039 students into the heart of California's tech ecosystem. The college has built its reputation on career-focused programs that connect directly to local industry needs. Students benefit from being surrounded by major tech companies and startups that regularly recruit from the area. The Hispanic-majority student body (52.86%) reflects the diverse community of San Jose, with significant Asian representation (21.52%) as well.

At $16,658 average net price, students pay relatively little for access to one of the most expensive job markets in America. Graduates earn a median of $46,215 within ten years, making this a solid financial investment despite the modest 32.10% graduation rate. The low federal loan rate of just 0.81% shows most students avoid significant debt. Employment rates reach 86.8%, reflecting strong job placement in the local economy.

The Jaguars compete in 10 varsity sports with 140 total athletes, though the college offers no athletic scholarships. With a 23:1 student-faculty ratio and 95.89% in-state enrollment, this feels like a local institution serving its immediate community. Only 20.74% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many come from working families who fall just above aid thresholds.

Academics & Faculty

San Jose City College serves as a transfer pathway and workforce training center in Silicon Valley's heart. The 23:1 student-faculty ratio means classes fill up quickly, but instructors know the local job market well. About 32% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the reality that many attend part-time while working. The college excels in computer science and business programs that connect directly to Bay Area tech companies. Students benefit from partnerships with nearby employers who recruit from nursing, automotive technology, and digital media programs. The proximity to major tech firms creates internship opportunities that many four-year universities cannot match.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
Full-Time Faculty: 43.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 32.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $46,215

Campus Life

San Jose City College sits in the heart of Silicon Valley, where 7,039 students navigate a bustling urban campus just minutes from tech giants like Google and Apple. The campus serves a diverse community where 52.86% of students are Hispanic and 21.52% are Asian, reflecting the multicultural fabric of the South Bay. Students rarely need winter coats here, but sunscreen is essential during California's long, dry summers that stretch well into October.

With a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, classes fill up quickly, and students often juggle coursework with part-time jobs at nearby tech companies or local businesses. The Jaguars compete in 10 varsity sports with 140 total athletes, though most students commute to campus rather than living in dorms. Weekends often mean exploring San Jose's active downtown scene, hiking in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains, or catching Giants games in San Francisco, just an hour north by train. The 86.8% employment rate reflects how students use SJCC as a stepping stone into Silicon Valley's job market or as preparation for transfer to four-year universities.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Arson	3	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	3
Burglary	2	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 43°–59°F
July Avg: 59°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 16.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

San Jose City College draws overwhelmingly from the local community, with nearly all students staying in-state. The student body reflects Silicon Valley's diverse demographics, with Hispanic and Asian students forming the largest groups alongside smaller white and Black populations. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges nationwide. Most students come from working-class families seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees or career training. The college serves as an accessible entry point into higher education for first-generation college students and those looking to transfer to California State or UC schools.

Men: 43.5%
Women: 56.5%
White: 11.0%
Black: 4.9%
Hispanic: 52.9%
Asian: 21.5%
In-State Students: 95.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 20.7%

Location

San Jose City College sits in the heart of Silicon Valley, just 50 miles south of San Francisco. The campus serves over 7,000 students in California's third-largest city, home to tech giants like Adobe and Cisco. San Jose's diverse population mirrors the college's demographics, with 53% Hispanic and 22% Asian students. The surrounding area offers internship opportunities at countless startups and established tech companies. Students pay just $1,366 for in-state tuition while living in one of America's most expensive metropolitan areas. The college draws 96% of its enrollment from California residents. Students considering colleges in California may also compare San Jose City College with similar schools in the region.

Address: San Jose, California 95128-2798

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $46,215
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,594
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 36.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at San Jose City College?

San Jose City College maintains an open admission policy typical of California community colleges. The school serves 7,039 students and welcomes anyone with a high school diploma or equivalent. Nearly 96% of students are California residents who benefit from the accessible entry requirements.

How much does San Jose City College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $16,658 annually at San Jose City College. In-state tuition runs just $1,366 while out-of-state students face $9,486 in tuition costs. About 21% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student body.

What is the student-faculty ratio at San Jose City College?

San Jose City College maintains a 23:1 student-faculty ratio. The college operates on a semester system and serves a diverse student population with 53% Hispanic students and 22% Asian students. This ratio reflects the typical class sizes found at large community colleges in urban areas.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at San Jose City College?

San Jose City College reports a 32% six-year graduation rate for its students. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,215 ten years after enrollment, with an 87% employment rate. The college's location in Silicon Valley provides access to tech industry opportunities that boost earning potential.

Where is San Jose City College located and what is campus life like?

San Jose City College sits in the heart of San Jose, California's third-largest city. The Jaguars field 10 varsity sports with 140 total athletes competing as independents. The urban setting puts students close to internship and job opportunities in the tech capital of the world.

Does San Jose City College offer good value for career-focused education?

San Jose City College provides strong career preparation with graduates earning $50,594 just five years after enrollment. The low in-state tuition of $1,366 makes it highly affordable for local students. The college's Silicon Valley location gives students direct access to one of the world's most active job markets.