San Jose State University

What are the graduation rates for students at San Jose State University?

San Jose State University has an overall graduation rate of 65%, placing it in the top 35% of institutions nationally. The six-year graduation rate mirrors this figure at 65%, also classified as average and ranking in the top 35%. This shows that roughly two-thirds of students complete their degrees within six years of enrollment.

When examining graduation rates by gender, there is a slight variation. Women graduate at a rate of 68%, somewhat higher than the overall average, while men graduate at a rate of 61%. Both rates are considered average, with women's rates placing them in the top 40% and men's rates in the top 35%, highlighting a modest difference in completion trends between genders.

The four-year graduation rate is noticeably lower at 30%, which ranks in the bottom 30% and indicates that only about one-third of students finish their programs within four years. Despite this shorter-term challenge, student retention at the university is strong, with an 86% retention rate that ranks it in the top 25% nationwide, suggesting that most students continue their studies year over year.

What is the earning potential for graduates at San Jose State University?

Graduates from San Jose State University show a wide range of earning potentials depending on their chosen field of study. Those with degrees in engineering disciplines generally achieve some of the highest incomes. For instance, computer engineering graduates can expect approximately $81,060 annually, while civil engineering and electrical, electronics, and communications engineering graduates earn about $70,515 and $74,789 respectively. Chemical engineering also stands out with median earnings near $59,999.

Computer science graduates command strong salary prospects, averaging $69,074. Similarly, industrial engineering and mechanical engineering graduates earn around $65,042 and $66,133 respectively, reflecting robust opportunities in technical and engineering careers. Industrial production technicians see earnings near $56,641, highlighting solid wages within engineering-related technical fields.

On the business front, graduates in accounting and related services report earnings of approximately $56,575, with finance and financial management services close behind at $55,220. Entrepreneurial and small business operations and marketing graduates also earn competitive incomes, typically around $55,130 and $54,841 respectively. Human resources management and management information systems graduates fare well, earning near $59,001 and $53,048.

Among health-related disciplines, registered nursing stands out with median annual salaries of about $89,196, the highest among the fields assessed. Health and medical administrative services graduates have lower, yet respectable earnings close to $47,842, and health professions and related clinical sciences report median incomes around $42,290.

Communication fields such as public relations, advertising, and applied communication offer median earnings of approximately $49,739, while general communication and media studies graduates earn around $41,664. Radio, television, and digital communication degrees typically yield lower incomes at about $26,800.

Social sciences demonstrate varied results: economics graduates achieve median salaries near $49,509, sociology approximately $41,623, and political science about $36,650. Criminal justice and corrections graduates can expect roughly $34,457, while social work brings in around $38,504 annually.

Degrees in biological sciences provide median earnings in the mid-thirties to low forties. Biology and biochemistry graduates earn about $41,033 and $38,953 respectively, while nutrition sciences students see incomes near $34,047. Psychology graduates earn approximately $33,851, and behavioral sciences around $33,421.

The arts and humanities generally offer lower median earnings. Design and applied arts graduates make about $46,596, whereas fine and studio arts report median income near $31,231. English language, liberal arts, and family studies graduates receive salaries between roughly $33,500 and $34,400.

Other notable fields include natural resources conservation and research with earnings around $42,783, air transportation at $42,924, and parks, recreation, and leisure studies close to $39,660. These results suggest that graduates should weigh potential income alongside their interests when selecting a major at San Jose State University.