What Is It Known For?
San Jose City College, a two-year public community college in the San Francisco Bay Area, has a rich history dating back to 1921. Originally established as San José Junior College, it grew from a small partnership between the local high school district and San José State Teachers College.
From its modest beginnings with just 86 students, the college now welcomes over 16,000 learners each year. Students can pursue degrees and certificates across 51 different fields, benefiting from a favorable 23-to-1 student-faculty ratio. The college strives to be the best in Silicon Valley and participates in the statewide Rising Scholars Network, which offers support to currently and previously incarcerated students.
Degrees & Certifications
San Jose City College offers a wide range of academic options to help students achieve their goals. You can choose from 51 different fields of study, with options for both degrees and certificates.
Some of the most sought-after programs include:
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Natural Sciences
- Business
- History
- Computer Science
- Health Sciences
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
San Jose City College understands the importance of flexibility when it comes to education. That’s why the school offers a variety of class schedules, including online and hybrid classes, as well as morning, afternoon, and evening sessions depending on the enrollment.
For healthcare programs, the school provides externship placements. These give students real-world experience and can improve job prospects in the growing healthcare field. To see what’s available, check the school’s class schedule page for current offerings, times, and locations.
Is It Legit?
Yes. San Jose City College is a legitimate institution. The school is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).
You can find more accreditation reports on the school’s website.
Acceptance Rate
San Jose City College follows an open admission policy. This means that the acceptance rate is at 100%.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
The tuition for a full-time student during a typical 9-month academic year varies based on residency:
- In-state students pay $1,366
- Non-residents pay $11,922
Keep in mind that tuition is just one part of the total cost. Other expenses like books, supplies, transportation, food, and housing can add up. When factoring in these additional costs In-state students might spend up to $21,607 in total and Non-residents could see expenses reach $44,237.
To get a more accurate estimate of your individual expenses, we recommend using the school’s net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Communication Studies
- Entrepreneurship
- Marketing
- Project Management
Real Estate
- Real Estate
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Law, Public Policy, and Society
Healthcare
- Dental Assisting
- Health Sciences
- Kinesiology
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Assisting Administrative
- Psychology
Professional Services
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
- Graphic Design
- Theatre Arts
Skilled Trades
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology
- Construction Technology
- CNC Machinist
- Facilities Maintenance
- Carpentry Technology
Technology
- Computer Programming
- Networking
- Web Developer
- IT Support Professional
- Computer Science
Campus Locations
San José 2100 Moorpark Avenue, San José, CA 95128
Reviews
Based on Google reviews, San José City College (SJCC) has a strong reputation as an academically solid, desirable transfer institution with a beautiful campus, but its overall rating is consistently compromised by overwhelming and long-standing criticism directed at its administrative and financial departments.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
- High-Quality Academic Programs and Instructors: Reviewers frequently call SJCC a “great starting point” for new academic or career paths and a good college for transfer. Professors are described as “really good,” with some also teaching at local state universities. An instructor in the statistics department is specifically praised as “amazing” and “extremely patient.”
- Beautiful, Well-Maintained Campus: The physical environment is highly praised. Reviewers note the campus is clean, has “beautiful flowers,” a good library, and modernized athletic and learning facilities. The presence of a beautiful redwood grove is a unique highlight.
- Supportive and Caring Staff (Non-Admin): Staff members, particularly those in the library and academic counselors, are highlighted for being “nice,” “helpful,” and having “good knowledge.” There is a strong feeling that people at the college “really care about education.”
- Diversity and Positive Environment: The college is noted for being a “friendly college,” having strong diversity, and a generally good, positive environment for learning.
Common Criticisms
- Catastrophic Administrative & Financial Aid Issues: This is the most severe and consistent complaint, spanning over a decade. Departments like Admissions and Records, Financial Aid, and Business Offices are repeatedly called “terrible” and “total crap.” Issues include staff being rude and impatient, severe communication failures with simple email responses taking days, and multiple students being incorrectly charged non-California resident tuition, forcing them to drop out or face debt collectors.
- Logistical and Outsider Issues: Reviewers mention problems with outsiders and homeless people roaming around the college and unknown persons asking for money in the library. Cafeteria staff are cited for being “very rude” and overcharging students. The administration is criticized for not reinstating the on-campus childcare center, limiting access for student parents.
- Perceived Management Confusion: Problems like difficult-to-find entrances and long waits to return library books suggest organizational confusion and poor management of basic campus services.
Momentum
The momentum is split. While positive reviews praising the beautiful campus, successful transfers, and a good learning environment are very recent (within the last few months), the highly negative reviews regarding the administrative staff, financial aid, and bureaucratic incompetence continue to be posted across multiple years. The college’s score remains relatively high due to the academic experience, but the persistent administrative complaints suggest these critical issues remain unresolved.