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AdmissionsOS

California State University-Sacramento vs San Jose State University

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

California State University-Sacramento San Jose State University
Acceptance rate lower = more selective 94% 85%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid $9,338 $13,760
Sticker cost of attendance $22,945 $26,593
Graduation rate 56% 69%
Retention rate 82% 87%
Undergraduates 28,350 27,601
Student-faculty ratio 24:1 25:1
Setting Sacramento, 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 2025-2026 cycle.

Common questions

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

San Jose State University is more selective, with a 85% acceptance rate versus 94% at California State University-Sacramento. 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-Sacramento or San Jose State University?

California State University-Sacramento has the lower average net price ($9,338 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.