San Jose State University vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo: which has better ROI?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $66,660 in 1.6 years versus 1.8 years at San Jose State University, on median earnings of $90,768 vs $78,988 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | San Jose State University | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,760 | $16,665 |
| Total net cost | $55,040 | $66,660 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $78,988 | $90,768 |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $18,500 |
| Payback | 1.8 yrs | 1.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $557,520 | $781,500 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, San Jose State University or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
San Jose State University, at $13,760 a year after aid versus $16,665 — a gap of $2,905 a year, or $11,620 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do San Jose State University or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates report a median $90,768 ten years after entry, $11,780 more than the $78,988 at San Jose State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, San Jose State University or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
San Jose State University: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $18,500 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, a difference of $3,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
86% of students finish at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, against 69% at San Jose State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.