Overview
The Valley Foundation School of Nursing at San Jose State University has trained nurses for the Santa Clara Valley since the mid-20th century, growing into one of California's most respected nursing programs. Renamed following a major gift from the Valley Foundation, the school is known for its rigorous BSN, RN-to-BSN, and graduate nursing programs, producing graduates who consistently pass the NCLEX at high rates and are recruited by top Bay Area hospital systems such as Stanford Health Care, Kaiser Permanente, and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Its reputation rests on strong clinical partnerships, simulation-based learning, and a curriculum responsive to the region's acute nursing shortage.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | San Jose, California |
| Founded | 1948 |
| Total students | 800 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 20% |
| Graduation rate | 85% |
| Average starting salary | $85,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $8,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,500 |
| Room & board | $16,000 |
| Average financial aid | $12,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.50 |
| Regular deadline | October 1 |
Top Programs
- BSN
- RN-to-BSN
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Nursing Education
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.