San Jose State University

About This Campus

San José State University (SJSU), the oldest and first campus of the California State University (CSU) system is the gateway to creativity and innovation in Silicon Valley. When you study at SJSU, you’re not only embarking on a transformative college journey — you’re joining a new, extended Spartan family in the NSE family. SJSU is a diverse, close-knit community with access to cutting-edge research, world-class scholarship and transformative opportunities that advance the public good locally and globally. As Silicon Valley's public university, San Jose State is located in one of the most innovative regions in the world. SJSU combines dynamic teaching, research and university-industry experiences to prepare students to address the biggest problems facing society.

#1 Most Transformative University in the Nation (Money Magazine)

#5 Public University in the Nation (Wall Street Journal - National Rankings)

#3 Top Public Schools (U.S. News - National Rankings)

Off-campus housing can be difficult to find so we highly recommend applying for on-campus housing by the deadline. Spring semester on-campus housing will be limited, but we suggest you apply when housing application opens in October.

Location Information

One of the largest cities in the U.S., San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley. If the city’s world-class arts, cuisine, sports and industry aren’t enough to keep you busy, consider a short drive to one of several famed Northern California destinations. Coastal redwood forests, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and San Francisco are all about an hour away. Silicon Valley is home to thousands of tech start-up companies and headquarters to many of the largest high-tech companies in the world.

REGISTRATION:

TERM DATES:

Fall Start Date: 08/19/2026 - Fall End Date: 12/16/2026

Spring Start Date: 12/25/2026 - Spring End Date: 05/26/2026

CLOSED PROGRAMS:

Animation and Illustration, Biological Sciences - Marine Biology, Computer Science, Computer Science and Linguistics, Data Science, Engineering (Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering), Graphic Design, Information Science and Data Analytics, Nursing.

RESTRICTED/LIMITED PROGRAMS:

Upper division courses in some departments can be limited by prerequisites. Flexibility is important.

NOTABLE ACADEMICS PROGRAMS:

Data Science — New College of Information, Data & Society: https://www.sjsu.edu/information-data-society/index.php
Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging — One of a few programs on the West Coast: https://www.sjsu.edu/nufspkg/programs/undergraduate/bs-packaging/index.php

UNIQUE ACADEMICS PROGRAMS:

Industrial and Systems Engineering — Most notably unique for the Silicon Valley.

OPTIONS:

Honors Access: No

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS OPEN TO NSE STUDENTS:

Accounting
Accounting and Business/Management
Advertising
Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology
Aerospace Engineering
African-American/Black Studies
Anthropology
Applied Mathematics
Art
Art History
Asian Studies/Civilization
Asian-American Studies
Aviation Studies
Biochemistry
Biological Engineering
Business
Business Administration
Business Administration Management and Operations
Business Information Systems
Business Management
Business Management Marketing and Related Support Services
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Child Development
Civil Engineering
Communication
Communication and Media Studies
Communication Disorders
Criminal Justice
Dance
Data Processing
Design
Early Childhood Education
Earth Science
Economics
Education
Elementary Education
English
Entrepreneurship
Environmental Studies
Ethnic Studies
Forensic Science
French
Geography
Geology
Global Studies
Graphic Design
History
Hospitality Management
Industrial Design
Industrial Engineering
Interdisciplinary Studies
Interior Design
International Business
International Studies
Japanese
Journalism
Kinesiology
Library Science
Linguistics
Management Information Systems
Materials Sciences
Mathematics
Meteorology
Music
Nutrition
Occupational Therapy
Organizational Behavior Studies
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Public Health
Public Relations Advertising and Applied Communication
Radio Television and Digital Communication
Social Work
Sociology
Spanish
Statistics
Teacher Education
Theater Arts/Drama/Acting
Women's Studies

GPA AND OTHER ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS:

General Eligibility Requirements
No students accepted from within my own state, province, or territory

EXCHANGE PREFERENCES:

Full Year Exchange: Accepted
Single Term Exchange: Accepted

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (Visa Students):

Does your campus accept International Students (those already in the U.S. on a student visa)? Will Not Accept

CANADIAN EXCHANGE:

Learn More

Receive from Canada: Will Accept Home Pay
Accept international students studying in Canada on a visa? - Yes

Figures per Semester are current as of 02/07/2026

TUITION:

Campus Budget
Fees are subject to change without notice
Home Tuition Payment: Available
Away Tuition Payment: Available
Estimated cost: $4423

MAXIMUM CREDIT HOURS PER SEMESTER:

Home Payment: 17
Host Payment: 17

MISCELLANEOUS FEES:

Purpose

Amount

Period

Plan

Status

NSE Program Fee

$300

Term

Away & Home

Mandatory

IMPORTANT NOTES:

All incoming & outgoing study abroad or away students (international and domestic) are assessed a Study Abroad Administrative Fee - $300. It will show up on your MySJSU account as "Study Abroad Administrative Fee."

Financial Aid for NSE Students. Regardless of Payment Plan, financial aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.

Figures per Semester are current as of 02/07/2026

ON-CAMPUS HOUSING PER SEMESER:

Is on-campus housing available? Yes
Is on-campus living required? No
Number of reserved housing spaces: 65
Average Room Cost (per term): $7500
On-Campus Housing

Off-CAMPUS HOUSING:

Off-Campus Housing

NOTES ABOUT ON-CAMPUS HOUSING:

Incoming Fall students who apply and are admitted during the Priority Deadline of March 1st will be given housing priority placement. Spring admits are not guaranteed housing, but generally are placed in housing. All admitted NSE students must apply for housing (https://www.sjsu.edu/housing/apply-for-housing/index.php) to be considered for priority placement in their preferred housing options. Visit: bit.ly/nse-at-sjsu for our recommended dorms.

NOTES ABOUT OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING:

Finding affordable housing off-campus can be difficult so we recommend NSE students live on campus.

MEAL PLANS:

Are meal plans available on campus? Yes
Is a meal plan purchase required for on-campus, non-apartment residence halls? Yes
Average Meal Plan Cost (per term): $2800
Campus Meal Plans

NOTES ABOUT MEAL PLANS:

All dorm residents are required to sign up for a meal plan except for Campus Village Bldg. B or CVB (The Apartments).

Fees are subject to change without notice.

Priority Placements for Academic Year 26/27

If this is your top choice campus...

Good

This campus accepts many (50-74%) applicants. You definitely want to consider adding alternate choice campuses marked as OPEN or EXCELLENT to ensure placement.

Open

This campus usually accepts all eligible applicants. Apply and start packing your bags!

If this is your alternate choice campus...