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San Jose State University vs Saint Mary's College of California

San Jose State University is a public university in San Jose, CA. Saint Mary's College of California is a private college in Moraga, CA. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants and Saint Mary's College of California about 87%, making San Jose State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,760 a year at San Jose State University after aid, and about $30,378 at Saint Mary's College of California. About 70% of students graduate at Saint Mary's College of California, compared with 67% at San Jose State University. Ten years after enrolling, San Jose State University alumni earn a median of about $78,988, against $78,812 for Saint Mary's College of California.

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San Jose State University

San Jose, CA · Public

Saint Mary's College of California

Moraga, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
San Jose, CA
Moraga, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
27,601
1,947
Acceptance rate
85%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.35–3.85
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1240
1070–1253
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
21–28
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,760
$30,378
Full cost / yr
$26,593
$77,659
In-state tuition
$8,410
$57,803
Out-of-state tuition
$21,010
$57,803
Application fee
$70
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,730
$19,462
$30k - $48k
$10,114
$20,127
$48k - $75k
$12,099
$23,303
$75k - $110k
$15,102
$29,049
Over $110k
$22,862
$40,581
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
70%
Freshman retention
87%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,448
$60,388
Median earnings (10 yr)
$78,988
$78,812
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$23,691
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
27%
First-generation students
49%
26%
International students
4%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Nov 30
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is San Jose State University or Saint Mary's College of California harder to get into?
San Jose State University is harder to get into. It admits about 85% of applicants, compared with 87% at Saint Mary's College of California. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, San Jose State University or Saint Mary's College of California?
San Jose State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,760 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $30,378 at Saint Mary's College of California. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at San Jose State University and Saint Mary's College of California?
Before aid, San Jose State University costs about $26,593 a year and Saint Mary's College of California about $77,659. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, San Jose State University or Saint Mary's College of California?
San Jose State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,730 there, against about $19,462 at Saint Mary's College of California. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, San Jose State University or Saint Mary's College of California?
San Jose State University is the larger of the two, with about 27,601 undergraduates against 1,947 at Saint Mary's College of California.
Does San Jose State University or Saint Mary's College of California have a better graduation rate?
Saint Mary's College of California has the higher graduation rate, at about 70% against 67% at San Jose State University.
Do graduates of San Jose State University or Saint Mary's College of California earn more?
San Jose State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,988 ten years after enrolling, against about $78,812 for Saint Mary's College of California. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do San Jose State University and Saint Mary's College of California require SAT or ACT scores?
San Jose State University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Saint Mary's College of California is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do San Jose State University and Saint Mary's College of California look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1240 at San Jose State University and 1070–1253 at Saint Mary's College of California. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school