U.S. News & World 2026 Best Colleges Report Demonstrates San José State’s Commitment to Excellence

San José State has been named the #3 Top Public School among Regional Universities (West) by U.S. News & World Report.

San José State University has once again been ranked highly in the U.S. News & World Report annual Best Colleges rankings, proving that SJSU continues to offer students life-changing and hands-on experiences that prepare them to elevate their lives and the world around them.

For the second year running, SJSU was ranked #4 among Regional Universities (West), as well as #3 among Top Public Schools — Regional Universities (West), and #9 among Best Value – Regional Universities (West), climbing two points from last year.

Using a wide range of data sources, U.S. News analysts and editors calculated more than 80 Best Colleges rankings, all with the intent of enabling students and their families to identify colleges that best meet their needs. The rankings highlight colleges that excel in such areas as value, social mobility, teaching, veterans’ needs and HBCUs, as well as in six academic disciplines (business, computer science, engineering, nursing, economics and psychology).

In addition, SJSU ranked #3 among Best Colleges for Veterans — Regional Universities (West), and tied for #13 among Social Mobility — Regional Universities (West), further proving its commitment to creating affordable opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

The report also recognized Spartan excellence in undergraduate programs. SJSU tied for #21 among undergraduate engineering (non-doctorate) and #117 among undergraduate computer science programs.

“As a national research university in the heart of Silicon Valley, these rankings confirm what our students and alumni already know: San José State delivers a transformative education rooted in excellence, opportunity and belonging,” says SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson. “Our record enrollment and the largest undergraduate class in our history are proof that students recognize the unmatched value of an SJSU education. We are proud to provide life-changing, hands-on learning experiences that prepare Spartans to elevate their lives and strengthen the communities and industries they will one day lead.”