Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 64.7%
- Retention Rate
- 86.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $78,988
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $159/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $125,015 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $92,277 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $87,973 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $86,550 | |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,074 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $77,401 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $74,953 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,845 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,720 | |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $73,635 | |
| Social Work. | Master | $72,320 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $71,015 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $68,778 | |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,219 |
Outcomes Overview
Graduates earn a median of $78,988 ten years after leaving campus, reflecting the university's deep ties to Silicon Valley tech companies. Monthly loan payments average $159, representing just 2.4% of typical graduate income. The median debt load of $15,000 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19, well below the national average of 0.3 for public universities. San Jose State's location advantage shows clearly in employment outcomes, with 96.1% of graduates finding work. Many alumni land roles at major tech firms like Apple, Google, and Netflix, where the university's engineering reputation opens doors. The combination of relatively low debt, strong earning potential, and excellent job placement rates delivers a strong return on investment.