The Diaz-Compean Student Union is a student life center (Photo: Christina Olivas).
Media Contacts:
Pat Lopes Harris, 408-924-1748, pat.harris@sjsu.edu
Robin McElhatton, 408-924-1749, robin.mcelhatton@sjsu.edu
SAN JOSE, CA – San Jose State University is pleased to announce that it has been ranked fourth in the nation on MONEY magazine’s list of most transformative colleges.
“San Jose State University takes great pride in providing our students and their families with life-changing opportunities through higher education,” President Mary A. Papazian said.
San Jose State is the only four-year public comprehensive university to place in the top five. MONEY estimates average SJSU student debt at $15,000 and early career earnings at $58,500 annually, resulting in an earnings premium over peers of $12,100.
Exceeding expectations
“It’s not surprising that elite schools report high graduation rates or alumni success.” MONEY said. “What’s impressive is when a college helps students do far better than would be expected from their academic and economic backgrounds. We call this a college’s value add.”
In addition, MONEY ranked San Jose State 61st in the nation on its list of 727 best colleges for your money. SJSU received this ranking because its alumni earn high salaries after accruing little student debt.
“College is a great investment—if you choose the right school. MONEY analyzed graduation rates, tuition charges, family borrowing, and alumni earnings (plus 22 other data points) to find the country’s top values,” MONEY said.
An Affordable Price
The publication estimates 93 percent of San Jose State students who need aid receive grants averaging $14,000 annually to cover estimated costs of $28,800 annually.
“San Jose State University offers an excellent education at an affordable price,” President Papazian said. “This is why an increasing number of students are choosing SJSU as the place where they would like to prepare for a lifetime of meaningful contributions to our world.”
About San Jose State University
The founding campus of the 23-campus California State University system, San Jose State provides a comprehensive university education, granting bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in 250 areas of study – offered through its eight colleges.
With more than 35,000 students and nearly 4,370 employees, San Jose State University continues to be an essential partner in the economic, cultural and social development of Silicon Valley and the state, annually contributing 10,000 graduates to the workforce.
The university is immensely proud of the accomplishments of its more than 260,000 alumni, 60 percent of whom live and work in the Bay Area.