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San Jose State University vs Unitek College: which has better ROI?

Public, San Jose CA · vs · Private for-profit, Hayward CA

The verdict

San Jose State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $55,040 in 1.8 years versus 1.9 years at Unitek College, on median earnings of $78,988 vs $87,877 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSan Jose State UniversityUnitek College
Net price / yr$13,760$19,130
Total net cost$55,040$76,520
Median earnings, 10 yrs$78,988$87,877
Median debt$15,000$10,700
Payback1.8 yrs1.9 yrs
20-year net return$557,520$713,820

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, San Jose State University or Unitek College?

San Jose State University, at $13,760 a year after aid versus $19,130 — a gap of $5,370 a year, or $21,480 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 Unitek College graduates earn more?

Unitek College graduates report a median $87,877 ten years after entry, $8,889 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 Unitek College?

Unitek College: its completers carry a median $10,700 in federal loans versus $15,000 at San Jose State University, a difference of $4,300. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

69% of students finish at San Jose State University, against 63% at Unitek College. 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.

San Jose State University vs Unitek College: frequently asked questions

Is San Jose State University or Unitek College a better value?
San Jose State University. It clears its $55,040 net cost in about 1.8 years versus 1.9 years at Unitek College, on median earnings of $78,988 vs $87,877 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, San Jose State University or Unitek College?
San Jose State University: $13,760/yr net price after aid versus $19,130/yr at Unitek College — a difference of $5,370 a year, or about $21,480 over four years.
Do San Jose State University or Unitek College graduates earn more?
Unitek College graduates earn a median $87,877 ten years after entry, versus $78,988 at San Jose State University — a $8,889 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.