San Jose State University (SJSU) vs CSU East Bay

San Jose State University (SJSU) and California State University-East Bay (CSUEB) are two distinct universities within the California State University system, each offering unique educational experiences. SJSU, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, boasts a higher acceptance rate (54%) compared to CSUEB's 49%. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with SJSU excelling in engineering, computer science, and business, while CSUEB shines in nursing, psychology, and liberal arts. SJSU's student body is more diverse, with a higher percentage of international students, while CSUEB has a slightly higher graduation rate (62% vs. 59%). Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	California State University-East Bay	San Jose State University
Overview
Location	Hayward, California	San Jose, California
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	80.0%	89.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	82.4%	84.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $70
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	14,448	30,441
Total number of admissions given out	11,899	25,682
Admitted students who chose to enroll	941	4,222
Yield rate	7.9%	16.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $29,378 Out of state: $41,258	In state: $31,435 Out of state: $43,315
Average net price	$12,631	$14,603
Tuition	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622	In state: $5,742 Out of state: $17,622
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,723 Meal plan: $4,650	Room/dormitory: $9,062 Meal plan: $5,880
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $8,540	66.0% Average amount $9,184
Students receiving federal student loan	17.0% Average amount $4,931	16.0% Average amount $4,861
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $12,200	1.0% Average amount $15,326

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	12,114 Men 39.8% Women 60.2%	28,288 Men 51.1% Women 48.9%
Graduate students	3,075 Men 33.8% Women 66.2%	8,845 Men 36.5% Women 63.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	2.3%	1.4%
International students	7.7%	9.1%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,634	4,261
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Washington Hawaii Oregon Alaska	California Washington Hawaii Oregon Arizona

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Education Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Communication and Journalism	Business Engineering Library Science Health Professions Communication and Journalism
Students to faculty ratio	24:1	24:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	48.4%	68.8%
Dropout rate	42.2%	23.4%
Transferred out	3.9%	3.5%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $99,479 Year 2: $113,585 Year 3: $127,920 Statistics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,165 Year 2: $78,785 Year 3: $97,059 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $82,891 Year 2: $79,838 Year 3: $93,792 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,466 Year 2: $90,856 Year 3: $93,531 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $80,056 Year 2: $80,309 Year 3: $85,641 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $62,200 Year 2: $68,918 Year 3: $74,105 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $78,406 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $73,621 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,738 Year 2: $65,387 Year 3: $72,620 Social Work (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $69,666 Year 2: $64,087 Year 3: $70,695 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,229 Year 2: $60,878 Year 3: $69,691	Computer Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $124,052 Year 2: $125,015 Year 3: $138,269 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $89,196 Year 2: $92,277 Year 3: $112,207 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $97,934 Year 2: $87,973 Year 3: $106,648 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $81,060 Year 2: $78,074 Year 3: $101,682 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,074 Year 2: $74,953 Year 3: $100,628 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $74,789 Year 2: $73,720 Year 3: $94,854 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $81,280 Year 2: $86,550 Year 3: $91,260 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $77,401 Year 3: $89,882 Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $86,270 City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $85,185

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between San Jose State University (SJSU) and California State University-East Bay (CSUEB)?

SJSU and CSUEB, while both part of the CSU system, offer distinct experiences. SJSU, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is known for its strong engineering, computer science, and business programs, with close ties to the tech industry. CSUEB, situated in Hayward with views of the San Francisco Bay, offers a more liberal arts focused education with strong programs in business, health sciences, and education. SJSU generally has a larger student body and a more urban campus environment, while CSUEB offers a smaller, more suburban setting.
Which university is better for students interested in technology and engineering?

San Jose State University is generally considered the stronger choice for students pursuing technology and engineering. Its location in Silicon Valley provides unparalleled access to internships, networking opportunities, and industry connections. SJSU's engineering and computer science programs are highly regarded and attract top faculty and students.
Which university is better for students interested in business?

Both SJSU and CSUEB have reputable business programs. SJSU's Lucas College and Graduate School of Business benefits from its Silicon Valley location, offering opportunities in technology-driven business. CSUEB's College of Business and Economics provides a strong foundation in traditional business principles and offers programs tailored to the East Bay's diverse economy. The 'better' choice depends on your specific business interests and career goals.
How do the campus environments differ between SJSU and CSUEB?

SJSU has a more urban campus located in downtown San Jose. This provides students with access to city amenities, cultural attractions, and a vibrant nightlife. CSUEB offers a more suburban campus setting in the Hayward Hills, providing scenic views and a quieter atmosphere. CSUEB's campus is more self-contained, while SJSU's is integrated into the city.
What are the typical class sizes at SJSU and CSUEB?

Generally, CSUEB tends to have smaller class sizes compared to SJSU. While both universities strive to provide personalized attention, SJSU's larger student body can lead to larger introductory courses. CSUEB's smaller size often allows for more interaction with professors and a more intimate learning environment, especially in upper-division courses.
How do the costs of attending SJSU and CSUEB compare?

As part of the California State University system, tuition fees are generally similar for both SJSU and CSUEB. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary due to factors like housing. San Jose's cost of living is significantly higher than Hayward's, so students attending SJSU may face higher expenses for rent, food, and transportation.
What are the transportation options for getting to and around SJSU and CSUEB?

SJSU benefits from its downtown location, offering excellent public transportation options, including light rail, buses, and Caltrain. CSUEB is accessible by car and has its own parking facilities. Public transportation options to CSUEB are available, but may require more planning and travel time compared to SJSU. Both campuses offer shuttle services to connect different parts of the campus.
What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

Both SJSU and CSUEB offer a wide range of student clubs, organizations, and activities. SJSU's larger student body translates to a greater variety of clubs and organizations, catering to diverse interests. CSUEB offers a more close-knit community with opportunities for students to get involved and take on leadership roles. Both universities have active student government associations and offer various recreational and athletic programs.
Which university has a stronger alumni network?

SJSU generally has a larger and more established alumni network, particularly in the technology sector due to its Silicon Valley location. This can be a significant advantage for students seeking internships and job opportunities after graduation. CSUEB also has a growing and supportive alumni network, especially within the East Bay region.
How do the graduation rates compare between SJSU and CSUEB?

Graduation rates can vary depending on the specific program and student demographics. It's best to consult the official graduation rate data published by each university and the CSU system for the most up-to-date information. Factors such as student preparedness, academic support services, and financial resources can influence graduation rates at both institutions.

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