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AdmissionsOS

California State University-Los Angeles vs San Jose State University

Side by side on admissions, cost, and fit, from the same verified school records.

California State University-Los Angeles San Jose State University
Acceptance rate lower = more selective 91% 85%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid $3,967 $13,760
Sticker cost of attendance $18,403 $26,593
Graduation rate 53% 69%
Retention rate 72% 87%
Undergraduates 19,562 27,601
Student-faculty ratio 21:1 25:1
Setting Los Angeles, CA San Jose, CA
Type Public Public
Application fee $70 $70
Test policy Test-blind Test-blind

Highlighted values mark the stronger figure on cost and outcomes. Verified for the 2026-2027 cycle.

Common questions

Is California State University-Los Angeles or San Jose State University harder to get into?

San Jose State University is more selective, with a 85% acceptance rate versus 91% at California State University-Los Angeles. Both should be treated as reaches unless your stats sit at or above the mid-50% range shown above.

Which is cheaper, California State University-Los Angeles or San Jose State University?

California State University-Los Angeles has the lower average net price ($3,967 versus $13,760). Net price is what families actually pay after grants and scholarships, so it is a truer comparison than sticker price. Run each school's net price calculator for your own income.