The “Biggest Bang for Your Buck:” Money Magazine Gives SJSU Five Stars in the Best Colleges in America Rankings For the Second Consecutive Year

Money Magazine's 2026-2027 Best Colleges in America rankings rate San José State with five stars, its highest ranking for the second straight year. There are 42 five-star schools on the list, and SJSU is listed among Ivy League schools, private research universities and liberal arts colleges.

Colleges are assessed on measures tied to value, including tuition, graduation rates, typical prices and borrowing amounts, and outcomes such as median alumni salaries and the share of recent grads with jobs . Several California State University campuses made the five-star list alongside SJSU because of the system's focus on affordability, access and upward mobility.

"This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff and reinforces our commitment to giving every student the Spartan Edge through world-class, hands-on learning," said SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson. "At San José State University, our students earn more than a degree - they gain the skills, experiences and confidence to shape what's next."

SJSU also appeared on Money's rankings for Best Public Colleges , Best Colleges in the West and Best Colleges with High Acceptance Rates .

Money Magazine said the following about SJSU: " At about 78%, its graduation rate is about 17% higher than predicted based on its student demographics, according to Money's analysis. Like much of the California State University system, SJSU is regularly recognized for its accessibility, and it scores well on multiple measures of economic and social mobility."

SJSU's location in the heart of Silicon Valley is an advantage to students interested in exploring professional opportunities or internships at one of the many tech companies in the area. Apple, Intuit, Salesforce, PayPal and IBM are among companies that have hired San José State students.

This accolade from Money Magazine adds to SJSU's growing list of national recognitions, such as its 2026 ranking as the #5 Best Public University in the Nation by the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse , further validating its role as a leader in accessible, high-impact higher education.

See more rankings featuring SJSU on the Accomplishments page.