SJSU vs CSUN: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for San Jose State University and California State University-Northridge, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
SJSU vs CSUN at a glance
SJSU admits 84.6% of applicants and CSUN 93.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $14,241 at SJSU and $6,346 at CSUN. Six-year graduation rates are 67.7% and 56.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- SJSU admits 84.6% of applicants and CSUN 93.5%, so SJSU is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $14,241 a year at SJSU and $6,346 at CSUN; CSUN costs $7,895 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $10,381 at SJSU and $4,429 at CSUN.
- 67.7% of students graduate within six years at SJSU, against 56.8% at CSUN.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $83,493 for SJSU and $63,721 for CSUN; SJSU is $19,772 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $14,750 at SJSU and $15,000 at CSUN.
- SJSU enrolls 27,601 students (large city) and CSUN 32,691 (large city).
Side by side
SJSU and CSUN in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | SJSU | CSUN |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 84.6% | 93.5% |
| Applicants | 30,441 | 23,656 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $14,241 | $6,346 |
| Tuition, in state | $8,846 | $7,850 |
| Tuition, out of state | $22,166 | $21,170 |
| Cost of attendance | $28,920 | $20,014 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $10,381 | $4,429 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $10,669 | $4,460 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $12,135 | $5,948 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $15,813 | $9,780 |
| Over $110,000 | $24,449 | $17,634 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 67.7% | 56.8% |
| First-year retention | 86.8% | 73.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $83,493 | $63,721 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $14,750 | $15,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $168 | $170 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 27,601 | 32,691 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | San Jose, CA | Northridge, CA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
SJSU reports 85 bachelor's programs and CSUN 79; 61 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Sociology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
Questions about SJSU vs CSUN
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into SJSU or CSUN?
SJSU is harder to get into by acceptance rate: SJSU admits 84.6% of applicants and CSUN admits 93.5%.
Which is cheaper, SJSU or CSUN?
CSUN has the lower average net price after grants: $14,241 a year at SJSU against $6,346 at CSUN. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $10,381 and $4,429. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do SJSU or CSUN graduates earn more?
SJSU graduates earn more at the median: $83,493 ten years after entry for SJSU and $63,721 for CSUN. Median federal debt at graduation is $14,750 and $15,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, SJSU or CSUN?
SJSU does: 67.7% of SJSU students graduate within six years, against 56.8% at CSUN.
How big are SJSU and CSUN?
SJSU has 27,601 students in San Jose, CA and CSUN has 32,691 students in Northridge, CA.