San Jose State University, San Jose

San José State University (SJSU), located in the heart of downtown San Jose, is a historic and dynamic public research university. Founded in 1857, it holds the distinction of being the oldest public university on the West Coast and the founding institution of the California State University (CSU) system. SJSU’s roots trace back to the California State Normal School, which it shares with UCLA as part of California’s academic foundation.

Spanning 154 acres (62 hectares) across roughly 19 square blocks, the main campus is a defining feature of downtown San Jose. An additional south campus, about 1.5 miles away, houses many of SJSU’s athletic facilities. The university comprises around 55 buildings and blends historic architecture with modern infrastructure, art installations, and inviting green spaces.

Academically, SJSU offers an impressive array of programs: 150 bachelor’s degrees, 95 master’s degrees, 5 doctoral degrees, 11 credential programs, and 42 certificate options. It is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and classified as an “R2” research institution, signifying high research activity and doctoral production.

With a total enrollment of over 36,000 students as of fall 2023-including nearly 8,600 graduate and credential students-SJSU is known for its incredibly diverse student body. It leads the CSU system in graduate, Asian, and international student enrollment.

The university’s athletic teams, the Spartans, compete in NCAA Division I FBS within the Mountain West Conference. Beyond sports, the campus is a vibrant cultural hub, hosting music and theater performances in state-of-the-art venues and offering engaging public art displays. Visitors and students alike can enjoy both academic excellence and a lively cultural experience.

Notable alumni include acclaimed author Amy Tan, rock icon Stevie Nicks, and Olympian and civil rights activist John Carlos, highlighting the university’s legacy of shaping influential figures across diverse fields.

Whether you’re interested in education, research, arts, or athletics, San José State University remains a cornerstone of both higher education and the city of San Jose’s identity.