For many individuals, a university education can open opportunities for career growth. However, the cost of higher education can make choosing a school challenging.
If you want to study in or near San Jose, compare each institution’s current tuition, delivery format, and program availability carefully. San Jose State University is a public option in the city, while the other institutions below offer San Jose campus, hybrid, or online options. Tuition amounts can change, so review each school’s official fees page before applying.
Let’s take a look at these affordable universities in San Jose for international students.
Affordable Schools in San Jose for International Students
1. San Jose State University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: Full-time undergraduate mandatory registration fees are $4,776.50 per semester. Non-California residents pay an additional $471 per unit.
San Jose State University is a public university founded in 1857. It is the oldest public institution of higher education on the West Coast and the founding campus of the California State University system. SJSU grants bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in 250 areas of study.
SJSU began as the first State Normal School, a teacher-training institution. A Los Angeles branch of the State Normal School opened in 1882. In 1919, it became the Southern Branch of the University of California, and in 1927 it was named the University of California, Los Angeles.
2. National University
National University is a private nonprofit university founded in 1971 by retired U.S. Navy Capt. David Chigos. The university offers more than 150 academic degree programs and provides classes online or in person at locations across California. Its course structure includes one-month classes, and some online classes are offered in four- or eight-week formats.
Students who live in San Jose can review online availability for their chosen program. National University also publishes separate military tuition rates and resources for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.
3. DeVry University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: Undergraduate degree and certificate programs: $514/credit hour | Graduate degree and certificate programs: $776/credit hour
Dr. Herman DeVry founded DeVry University in 1931. He invented the first portable silent motion picture projector and promoted a visual, hands-on approach to education.
DeVry has a location in North San Jose and offers online and hybrid study options. Its Keller Graduate School of Management offers programs in areas such as accounting, project management, information technology, human resources, analytics, and health services.
4. University of Silicon Valley
The University of Silicon Valley is a private institution in San Jose. It was founded in 1887 as Cogswell Polytechnical College by Dr. Henry Daniel Cogswell and formerly operated under that name.
USV describes itself as the first polytechnic college west of the Mississippi. Its current academic offerings include programs in game design, game art, digital art and animation, game engineering, digital audio technology, software development, business administration, and related diploma and graduate-level options.
5. William Jessup University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Tuition Fees: Undergraduate base tuition for the Rocklin and San Jose campuses is $19,000 per semester. Graduate tuition varies by program.
The institution now uses the name Jessup University. It began as San Jose Bible College in 1939, when classes opened with fourteen students and a curriculum focused on biblical study and preparation for church vocations.
Jessup’s San Jose campus currently offers graduate degrees. The university lists the Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Computer Science as on-campus options in San Jose. The campus also promotes flexible scheduling, including classes held only one or two nights per month.
When comparing these universities, review each program’s current tuition, additional fees, delivery format, and international admissions requirements. A public university may be a cost-effective choice, but private institutions can also offer scholarships and flexible study options.
We hope this article on affordable universities in San Jose was helpful. Visit our Study in the USA page and review the Available Programs for International Students for more details on studying in the U.S.
