University of Silicon Valley
The Vibe Check
University of Silicon Valley feels like a creative incubator set in the heart of San Jose, where the energy of the tech world blends with artistic expression. The small, intimate campus fosters a close-knit community where students collaborate across disciplines, from music production to software engineering. It's a place for hands-on, project-based learning where your portfolio matters more than traditional lectures.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Optional
This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
USV’s academic strength lies in its industry-aligned programs in Visual & Performing Arts, Computer Science, and Business & Marketing, designed to prepare students for careers in the creative and tech industries. The curriculum is highly practical, emphasizing hands-on projects and portfolio development over theoretical research. Students benefit from small class sizes and faculty who are often working professionals in their fields.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in San Jose
Life in San Jose offers endless opportunities for fun, from exploring the vibrant downtown area with its diverse food scene to attending music festivals and art walks. Students can easily access Silicon Valley's tech hubs, museums, and outdoor activities in the nearby mountains and coastal areas. The city's public transit and proximity to other Bay Area cities make weekend trips to San Francisco or Oakland a popular option.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($51,017):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in a busy urban area of San Jose, so students should practice standard city safety precautions like being aware of their surroundings. The university has security measures in place, but the surrounding neighborhood is a typical city environment rather than a secluded college town.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Strong focus on creative and tech industries with practical, career-oriented programs
- ✓ Small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty
- ✓ Prime location in San Jose offering direct access to Silicon Valley opportunities
- ✓ Diverse and inclusive community with a collaborative atmosphere
Cons
- ✗ Graduation and retention rates are lower than national averages
- ✗ Limited campus amenities and traditional college-town atmosphere
- ✗ Smaller student body may offer fewer extracurricular options
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
University of Silicon Valley is known for its programs in Visual & Performing Arts, Computer Science, and Business & Marketing. It emphasizes hands-on, industry-focused education, particularly in fields like music production, game design, and digital art. The university’s connection to Silicon Valley provides unique opportunities for students to engage with the tech and creative industries.
No, it is not highly selective. The acceptance rate is 51.31%, meaning over half of applicants are admitted. However, admission to specific programs, especially in the arts, may require a strong portfolio or audition, so applicants should focus on showcasing their creative and technical skills.
Campus life is intimate and collaborative, with a small student body of just 377 students, fostering close relationships among peers and faculty. The urban setting means students have easy access to San Jose’s vibrant cultural and social scene, though campus itself may feel quieter compared to larger universities. Students often engage in hands-on projects and creative collaborations rather than large-scale traditional campus events.
The value depends on your career goals. For students pursuing creative or tech fields, the practical education and location in Silicon Valley can lead to strong job prospects, with a 10-year median earnings of $51,017. However, the net price of $30,799 and lower graduation rates mean students should be proactive about completing their degree and leveraging internship opportunities to maximize their investment.
Similar Universities
Top Employers
Next Steps & Tools
Make the best decision with our free planning tools.
Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 510
- In-State Tuition $22,480
- Zip Code 95134
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an in-state and out-of-state tuition of $22,480, USV is relatively affordable compared to many private universities, but the net price of $30,799 is still a significant investment. The 10-year median earnings of $51,017 suggest a solid return for graduates, particularly in tech and creative fields. However, the lower graduation and retention rates are important factors to consider when evaluating the overall financial value of the degree.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.