Why SJSU? | Admissions

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What’s the next big thing? You are.

San José State University has always been a place of firsts. And we’re still leading the way.

When you become a student at San José State, we will never stop offering you the latest and greatest, giving the best of us so you can be your best self. Whether you are the first in your family to hone your skills in college or a future legend in your field of choice, SJSU’s team of champions offers world-class opportunities in learning, work, and community to prepare you for a future of limitless possibilities.

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Imagine Yourself Here

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Majors and Programs

San José State provides a wide range of undergraduate programs, with both online and in-person courses, that promote intellectual inquiry and independent thought. SJSU Online also offers five fully online degree completion programs.

Tuition and Fees

San José State is dedicated to providing affordable access to high-quality education at the fraction of the cost — learn more about tuition, meal plans, financial aid and scholarships.

Degree Roadmap

See what the roadmap looks like to stay on track to graduate in four years for first-year students and two years for transfers.

Housing

From traditional residence halls to Greek houses and downtown apartments, San José State offers multiple housing options that will fit your needs.

Campus Life

Through shared experiences with peers, service to the community, and acts of creation, recreation and cohabitation, discover what San José State has to offer beyond the classroom.

Connect With a Counselor

Need help planning your journey to San José State or just have some questions? Our admission counselors are ready to help.

Be a Part of Our Spartan Traditions

Your Health and Well-being

Student Recreation and Aquatic Center

Our state-of-the-art Student Recreation and Aquatic Center (SRAC) houses everything you need to begin or maintain your fitness goals. Sign up for a cycle class, try bouldering, join a pick-up game or just hang out by the pool. SRAC offers you a way to pursue a host of physical activities right on campus. You might even discover a lifelong pastime or hobby.

SJSU Cares

SJSU Cares provides you the resources and services for any type of financial crisis you may face during your journey at San José State — from having trouble paying for food, housing or other bills, we are always here to help.

Health and Wellness Resources

Taking care of your health and wellness is critical to your academic success. At San José State, we provide a variety of resources to help you take care of all the dimensions of wellness: physical, social, emotional, occupational, multicultural, environmental, spiritual and intellectual.

SJSU's Mission and Values

Dedication to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

San José State is unique in its long history of student civil rights activism, service to first-generation student populations and racial and ethnic diversity. SJSU's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion works to create a campus community that is free from discrimination and systemic and cultural barriers to your academic success.

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Commitment to Sustainability

We offer a wide range of academic courses and programs related to sustainability, as well as ongoing campus-wide efforts to minimize San José State’s "ecological footprint" by reducing campus energy consumption, water use, and waste.

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Support for Local Community

With San José State located in the heart of the city, we’ve created the SJSU Loves SJ initiative in collaboration with downtown organizations and San José City Hall to further connect and integrate students with the culture of the thriving local community.

Career Pathways

A group of students celebrating their Connect with Google certificates.

SJSU students celebrate the last day of Google’s Computer Science Program.

Every Spartan Emerges Career Ready

Visit the Career Center to see where your degree from Silicon Valley's Public University can take you. Build relevant career experiences by tapping into our network of over 9,000 local and 30,000 global employers that seek SJSU students.

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Spartan Testimonials

Stories of Transformation at SJSU

A university education can be measured in many ways, such as in degrees earned, years of study accomplished, money spent or saved, lifelong friendships made, or mentorships and relationships formed. San José State University was named the #1 Most Transformative University in the nation by Money magazine, in part, because Spartans say that SJSU has helped them transform and effect positive change, not only for themselves but also for their communities.

Marielle Lacanlale

’22 Nursing

“If I had not gone to SJSU to pursue nursing, I would not have been able to develop the work ethic that I have now to achieve my goals. SJSU has also provided me with a very strong Filipino community. Now that I am in the nursing school here, SJSU has provided me with so many opportunities to make a difference within my community.”

Tommy Wen Chin

’22 Physics

“[My SJSU professor] gave me the courage that I had been longing for to pursue physics. Every day since then, I have been very grateful for the opportunity to pursue what I truly love.”

Alexandra Salazar

’20 Molecular Biology

“Coming to SJSU introduced me to the mentors that would see my potential and help transform me into the scientist I am becoming. Thanks to the resources and guidance I received at SJSU, I will begin pursuing my PhD in neuroscience at the Scripps Research Institute starting fall 2021.”

Rankings and Accomplishments

#4 Public University in the U.S.

In its 2025 Best College in the U.S. Ranking, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) ranked SJSU as the #4 best public university in the nation.

#1 Best Value Public University in the West

Ranked #1 among Public Universities by U.S. News and World Report in Best Value based on academic quality and net cost of attendance.

#3 Top Colleges for Diversity in the West

Ranked #3 among Public Universities by U.S. News and World Report for Campus Ethnic Diversity.

Explore More Facts and Accomplishments

Want to Learn More?

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Requirements and Next Steps for Admission

Learn more about GPA and course requirements or register for our next workshop to learn how to fill out an application for San José State.

Social Media

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Stay up to date with what's going on at San José State, what our students are up to, enrollment information and campus updates by following us on social media.