SJSU (Lucas) vs San Francisco (USF)
Which MBA program is right for you?
SJSU (Lucas)
San Francisco (USF)
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | SJSU (Lucas) | San Francisco (USF) |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #128 | #131 |
| Acceptance Rate | 60% | 65% |
| Avg. GMAT | 587 | 617 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Class Size | 40 | 30 |
| Avg. Salary | $91,000 | $83,000 |
| Employment Rate | 83% | 80% |
| Annual Tuition | $16,000 | $40,000 |
The Verdict
Choose SJSU (Lucas) if…
you want Silicon Valley access at California State University pricing with a massive Bay Area alumni network.
Full SJSU (Lucas) Profile →Choose San Francisco (USF) if…
you want a Jesuit MBA in San Francisco with social enterprise and entrepreneurship focus.
Full San Francisco (USF) Profile →Why People Compare These Two
Both are Bay Area MBA programs below Stanford GSB and Haas. SJSU ($16K/year) in San Jose offers Silicon Valley access at public university pricing. USF ($40K/year) in San Francisco offers Jesuit values and entrepreneurship. The tuition gap is significant ($16K vs $40K), and SJSU's salary outcomes are higher ($91K vs $83K).
The Honest Take
SJSU wins on value: higher salaries ($91K vs $83K) at less than half the tuition. USF wins on mission: the Jesuit tradition and social enterprise focus appeal to students who measure success in impact, not just income. For career advancement in Silicon Valley, SJSU is the rational choice. For mission-driven business education, USF provides something SJSU doesn't offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable?
SJSU Lucas ($16K/year) is dramatically cheaper than USF ($40K/year). For California residents targeting Silicon Valley careers, SJSU is the clear value winner.
Which has better salary outcomes?
SJSU ($91K) slightly outearns USF ($83K). Both are below what Stanford GSB or Haas graduates earn in the same market.
Which is better for social enterprise?
USF's Jesuit tradition and social responsibility emphasis make it the stronger choice for mission-driven careers and social enterprise.