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San Jose State University and University of California-Riverside are both public institutions — San Jose State University in San Jose, CA and University of California-Riverside in Riverside, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
San Jose, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 84.6%
Undergrad enrollment: 27,601
Tuition: $21,010/year
Student-faculty ratio: 25.0:1
Graduation rate: 69.2%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Engineering, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in San Jose, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Engineering.
Riverside, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 76.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 22,593
Tuition: $49,806/year
Student-faculty ratio: 22.0:1
Graduation rate: 76.0%
Top programs: Biological sciences, Social sciences, Business and marketing
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Riverside, CA with published program strength in Biological sciences and Social sciences.
| Factor | San Jose State University | University of California-Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 84.6% | 76.4% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 27,601 | 22,593 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $21,010/year | $49,806/year |
| Average net price after aid | $13,760 | $14,304 |
| Graduation rate | 69.2% | 76.0% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $78,988 | $67,699 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 25.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | San Jose, CA | Riverside, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Engineering, Psychology | Biological sciences, Social sciences, Business and marketing |
University of California-Riverside is more selective (76.4% vs 84.6% acceptance rate). San Jose State University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($13,760 vs $14,304). University of California-Riverside reports the higher graduation rate (76.0% vs 69.2%). San Jose State University is the larger undergraduate campus (27,601 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
San Jose State University vs California State University-Fullerton
84.6% vs 90.5% acceptance rate
San Jose State University vs California State University-Los Angeles
84.6% vs 91.3% acceptance rate
San Jose State University vs California State University-Sacramento
84.6% vs 94.0% acceptance rate
San Jose State University vs California State University-Northridge
84.6% vs 93.5% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between San Jose State University and University of California-Riverside
San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 84.6%; University of California-Riverside is around 76.4%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
San Jose State University tuition is $21,010/year. University of California-Riverside is $49,806/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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