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San Jose State University vs Simpson University

San Jose State University is a public university in San Jose, CA, and Simpson University is a private university in Redding, CA. San Jose State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 85% of applicants against 86% at Simpson University. San Jose State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,760 a year against $27,817 at Simpson University. About 67% of students graduate at San Jose State University, compared with 45% at Simpson University. Ten years after enrolling, San Jose State University alumni earn a median of about $78,988, against $54,340 for Simpson University.

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA · Public

Simpson University

Redding, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
San Jose, CA
Redding, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
27,601
809
Acceptance rate
85%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.38–3.88
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
1010–1240
960–1185
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
21–28
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,760
$27,817
Full cost / yr
$26,593
$54,688
In-state tuition
$8,410
$39,708
Out-of-state tuition
$21,010
$39,708
Application fee
$70
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,730
$25,511
$30k - $48k
$10,114
$22,738
$48k - $75k
$12,099
$28,479
$75k - $110k
$15,102
$29,656
Over $110k
$22,862
$30,163
Outcomes
Graduation rate
67%
45%
Freshman retention
87%
60%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,448
$51,256
Median earnings (10 yr)
$78,988
$54,340
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$18,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
35%
44%
First-generation students
49%
38%
International students
4%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
Jul 29

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 Simpson University harder to get into?
San Jose State University is harder to get into. It admits about 85% of applicants, compared with 86% at Simpson University. 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 Simpson University?
San Jose State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,760 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,817 at Simpson University. 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 Simpson University?
Before aid, San Jose State University costs about $26,593 a year and Simpson University about $54,688. 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 Simpson University?
San Jose State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,730 there, against about $25,511 at Simpson University. 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 Simpson University?
San Jose State University is the larger of the two, with about 27,601 undergraduates against 809 at Simpson University.
Does San Jose State University or Simpson University have a better graduation rate?
San Jose State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 45% at Simpson University.
Do graduates of San Jose State University or Simpson University earn more?
San Jose State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,988 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,340 for Simpson University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do San Jose State University and Simpson University require SAT or ACT scores?
San Jose State University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Simpson University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do San Jose State University and Simpson University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1010–1240 at San Jose State University and 960–1185 at Simpson University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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