About University of Silicon Valley
This small tech-focused institution trains students for careers in Silicon Valley's booming industry. With just 377 students enrolled, University of Silicon Valley offers an intimate learning environment in the heart of San Jose's technology corridor. The school operates on a trimester system and maintains a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Known for hands-on training in computer science and engineering fields, the university attracts students seeking direct pathways into tech careers. Nearly 90% of students come from California, drawn by the school's proximity to major tech employers.
The financial picture presents challenges that prospective students should carefully consider. After aid, students typically pay around $30,799 per year in net costs. Graduates earn a median of $51,017 ten years after starting college, but carry $31,000 in median debt with monthly payments of $329. The 6-year graduation rate sits at just 35%, meaning many students don't complete their programs. For those who do graduate, the employment rate reaches 88%, reflecting strong job demand in the region's tech sector.
The student body skews heavily male at 75%, typical for technology-focused institutions. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the population. Only 58% of students return for their second year, suggesting academic or financial struggles for many.
The financial picture presents challenges that prospective students should carefully consider. After aid, students typically pay around $30,799 per year in net costs. Graduates earn a median of $51,017 ten years after starting college, but carry $31,000 in median debt with monthly payments of $329. The 6-year graduation rate sits at just 35%, meaning many students don't complete their programs. For those who do graduate, the employment rate reaches 88%, reflecting strong job demand in the region's tech sector.
The student body skews heavily male at 75%, typical for technology-focused institutions. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the population. Only 58% of students return for their second year, suggesting academic or financial struggles for many.
Academics & Faculty
University of Silicon Valley focuses heavily on technology and business programs, drawing students who want direct career preparation in the heart of tech country. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in small classes. However, only 35% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face balancing demanding coursework with Silicon Valley's high cost of living. The school operates on a trimester system, allowing faster program completion for motivated students. With 87.9% of graduates finding employment, the career-focused curriculum clearly connects to industry needs. Nearly three-quarters of students are men, typical for tech-oriented institutions. The Dragons compete as a small private college emphasizing practical skills over traditional liberal arts education.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 13.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 40.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 34.9%
- Retention Rate
- 58.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,017
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, Other. | Bachelor | $52,289 |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $30,984 |
Campus Life
University of Silicon Valley sits in the heart of tech country, where students can walk to internships at major companies. The campus houses just 200 students in on-campus housing, meaning about half the 377 enrolled students live elsewhere in San Jose. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this Mediterranean climate where winter temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees.
The student body skews heavily male at 74.8%, reflecting the tech-focused programs that dominate campus life. With nearly 90% of students from California, weekend conversations often center around local tech meetups and startup pitch competitions. The trimester system keeps academic pressure intense, which may contribute to the 58% retention rate. Students frequently collaborate on coding projects in small groups, taking advantage of the 13:1 student-faculty ratio. Many spend weekends networking at Silicon Valley conferences or working part-time at local tech companies. The Dragons may be a small community, but proximity to Google, Apple, and hundreds of startups creates an entrepreneurial energy that extends well beyond the classroom.
The student body skews heavily male at 74.8%, reflecting the tech-focused programs that dominate campus life. With nearly 90% of students from California, weekend conversations often center around local tech meetups and startup pitch competitions. The trimester system keeps academic pressure intense, which may contribute to the 58% retention rate. Students frequently collaborate on coding projects in small groups, taking advantage of the 13:1 student-faculty ratio. Many spend weekends networking at Silicon Valley conferences or working part-time at local tech companies. The Dragons may be a small community, but proximity to Google, Apple, and hundreds of startups creates an entrepreneurial energy that extends well beyond the classroom.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 200 beds
- Calendar System
- Trimester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 43°–59°F
- July Avg
- 59°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 16.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Nearly 90% of University of Silicon Valley's 377 students come from California, reflecting the school's focus on serving the local tech workforce. The student body is 75% male, which aligns with the university's emphasis on technology and engineering programs. The school draws a diverse mix of students, with significant Hispanic, Asian, and white populations that mirror Silicon Valley's demographics. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves as an accessible pathway into tech careers for lower-income California residents seeking practical, industry-focused education.
- Men
- 74.8%
- Women
- 25.2%
- White
- 26.8%
- Black
- 9.0%
- Hispanic
- 26.3%
- Asian
- 18.0%
- In-State Students
- 89.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 47.5%
Location
University of Silicon Valley sits in San Jose, California, the heart of Silicon Valley and the third-largest city in the state. The campus operates in an urban environment where tech giants like Apple, Google, and Meta maintain major operations within a 20-mile radius. San Jose's population exceeds one million residents, creating a bustling metropolitan atmosphere. The city lies about 50 miles south of San Francisco and 350 miles north of Los Angeles. Students experience year-round mild weather with average temperatures ranging from 60-75°F. The region pulses with startup energy and venture capital activity, offering abundant internship and job opportunities in technology sectors. Students considering colleges in California may also compare University of Silicon Valley with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- San Jose, California 95134
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,017
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,598
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $329/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $31,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Silicon Valley?
University of Silicon Valley accepts 64.66% of applicants. This tech-focused institution draws students primarily from California, with 89.66% coming from in-state.
How much does University of Silicon Valley cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $30,799 annually. With tuition at $22,480 and room and board adding $19,142, students typically graduate with $31,000 in debt despite the relatively low institutional grant rate of 3.71%.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Silicon Valley?
The student-faculty ratio is 13:1 across an enrollment of just 377 students. This small private institution operates on a trimester calendar system, allowing for accelerated learning in tech-focused programs.
Does University of Silicon Valley have good job outcomes?
Graduates earn a median of $51,017 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 87.9%. However, only 34.90% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face in this intensive tech environment.
Where do students live at University of Silicon Valley?
On-campus housing accommodates just 200 students out of the 377 total enrollment. Most students commute from the greater San Jose area, which keeps the campus relatively quiet but connected to Silicon Valley's tech ecosystem.
Is University of Silicon Valley diverse?
The student body is 74.80% male and diverse ethnically, with 26.79% White, 26.26% Hispanic, and 18.04% Asian students. Nearly half of students (47.49%) receive Pell Grants, indicating significant economic diversity among the Dragons.
