A Record-Breaking Year for Enrollment: Nearly 40,000 Spartans Call SJSU Home

The SJSU campus has never been more full of excitement, energy - and students.

This fall, nearly 40,0000 students are enrolled at San José State, a remarkable 8% increase over fall 2024 and the highest enrollment total for a single academic term in the 168-year history of the university. This news further cements SJSU's standing as one of a five-star university as ranked by Money Magazine , and FrogHire's recent ranking of SJSU as the top school for international student employment outcomes .

SJSU is also starting the semester with 48 new tenured and tenure-track faculty members.

"We are thrilled to welcome our largest incoming first-year Spartans at SJSU - nearly 5,100, and over 3,600 transfers, totaling about 8,700 new undergraduate Spartans on campus this fall," says SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson. "An additional nearly 900 students are enrolled through SJSU Online, a 35% increase from fall 2024. Many of our graduate programs are growing as well."

The total number of students enrolled in SJSU's Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) programs adds another 3,800 graduate students, also an all-time high.

These overall enrollment numbers are boosted by our campus efforts at retention and re-enrollment. "SJSU has put a lot of effort into making sure as many students as possible can continue their education each semester through advising, student belonging programming, and faculty learning communities that are building new ways to engage students," says Vincent Del Casino, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. "The retention rate for the first-year cohort who entered last fall is nearly 89%, which is not only a historic high for the university but makes us one of the best campuses for first-year student success in the California State University this year."

Andrew Wright, senior associate vice president of enrollment management at San José State, attributes this increase in recruitment to "meeting students and families where they are."

"The fall 2025 incoming first-time, first-year class is our largest to date . We strengthened partnerships with schools and community organizations, expanded our outreach both in-person and virtually, altered all communications and brochures, and provided clear, supportive guidance at every step," says Wright. "Most importantly, we worked to ensure students saw themselves at San José State, through intentional efforts to connect with them not only as applicants, but as future Spartans who belong here."

Throughout the year, SJSU offers multiple opportunities for prospective Spartans and their families to connect with and visit the university. The Student Outreach and Recruitment (SOAR) team offers pre-admission counseling in person and online, as well as many next steps presentations to walk future students through the application process to support them every step of the way.

Wright recommends that new and incoming students "take advantage of every opportunity SJSU offers, both inside and outside the classroom. Get involved in clubs, organizations, and events, and don't hesitate to seek out support when you need it. The relationships you build with faculty, staff, and peers will enrich your experience and open doors long after graduation."

Harlan Spiva, '29 Behavioral Science, an incoming freshman who plans to study applications in artificial intelligence, can't wait to get started.

"I'm super excited to attend SJSU because the unparalleled passion of SJSU students and faculty create world-class opportunities for learning and growth," he says. "Before even attending my first class, I feel surrounded by resources and helpers dedicated to pushing me to succeed inside the classroom, outside the classroom, and in my career. These first impressions, combined with SJSU's history of maintaining excellent relationships with companies in the heart of Silicon Valley and around the world, convince me that I made the right choice. I'm looking forward to a great four years!"

Welcome home, Spartans.