San Jose State University

The First in the California State University System

For nearly 170 years, San José State University has built a tradition of “firsts” ― from student social justice advocacy to environmental stewardship to developing leading-edge technologies. As the oldest California State University in the system, we consider ourselves the original “start-up” of Silicon Valley. Today, we are a vibrant urban campus located in the center of a city that drives innovation around the world — and our students benefit from immersion in this culture of excellence. We live what we call the “Spartan Life,” bringing together our life experiences with the knowledge gained on campus to spark lasting change that has a global impact. Spartans embrace discovery. We’re curious, we ask the tough questions, we lead change, and we never settle for what was.

Top-Tier Academics, Research, and Discovery

SJSU places you at the epicenter of the future with more than 250 majors and minors to choose from across the arts, humanities, engineering, business and sciences. While our breadth of programs is impressive, it’s not what earned us a ranking as #3 among Top Public Schools in the West by U.S. News & World Report. It’s the hands-on experiential learning that happens inside and outside the classroom that helps our students excel. Students can participate in research and internships at places like the NASA Ames Center, Google, Adobe (we are one of only three designated Adobe Creative Campuses), or our own Moss Landing Marine Laboratory that works to protect our California coastlines.

An Inclusive Community 

San José State University is a microcosm of the world. A commitment to social justice, advocacy for racial equality, and equitable practices are woven throughout everything we do at SJSU. No matter your background, you will meet classmates, professors, and advisors like you who understand your life experiences. SJSU proudly holds designations as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). 73% of our undergraduate students identify as a person of color, and 44% of our undergraduate students are the first in their families to seek a degree. There’s more than 350 student organizations and success centers to help find your community, no matter your interests.

A Degree That Delivers

These unique Spartan experiences culminate in the critical thinking skills that land our graduates jobs when they finish their degrees. In fact, 89% of our bachelor’s degree recipients are employed or pursuing post-graduate degrees within one year of graduation, according to our 2023 First Destination Report. The average median starting salary for undergraduates is $65,000, and our alumni network spans more than 350,000 Spartans who are in all 50 states and across the globe. As the only California State University in a major metropolitan area, Silicon Valley companies employ more graduates from San José State than from any other university. No matter what career path you take, a SJSU degree will propel you forward.