San José State University Leaps to No. 16 on Wall Street Journal's 2025 Best Colleges List

San José State University Leaps to No. 16 on Wall Street Journal's 2025 Best Colleges ListPhoto byCésar Badilla MirandaonUnsplash

San José State University (SJSU) has made a remarkable leap in the Wall Street Journal's (WSJ) 2025 “Best Colleges in the U.S.” rankings, landing at No. 16 overall. The university’s dramatic rise from 173rd place in the previous year highlights its growing national recognition. Additionally, SJSU was ranked the fourth-best public university in the U.S. and the third-best public school in California.

SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson celebrated the news, stating, “We are thrilled this ranking highlights what many Spartans already know — SJSU prepares students to succeed as graduates and transform their lives.”

While Ivy League institutions like Princeton (No. 1) and Stanford (No. 3) remained in the top ranks, SJSU's 157-spot jump reflects its increasing influence as an educational powerhouse in Silicon Valley.