San José State University Lucas College of Business secured the No. 97 spot in Poets&Quants‘ 2025 ranking of the Best Undergraduate Business Programs in the U.S. In our three methodological categories, Lucas College ranked 101st in Admission Standards, 101st in Career Outcomes, and 82nd in Academic Experience.
The school’s acceptance rate for the fall 2024 incoming class was 85.0%, with a six-year graduation rate of 79.5%. The average starting salary for 2024 graduates was $72,813, with 13.6% reporting an average signing bonus of $6,348.
Top employers hiring Lucas College business graduates include Adobe Systems, Amazon, Applied Materials, City of San Jose, Deloitte, EY, JP Morgan Chase, KPMG, PwC, San Jose State University, Super Micro Computer, and Verkada.
DISTINGUISHING ATTRIBUTES
As an AACSB-accredited institution, the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business boasts highly qualified faculty from top research universities and experienced industry practitioners. The college offers extensive experiential learning opportunities, including the Business Honors Program, the Thompson Global Internship Program, the Pebble Beach Special Events Management Program, the Marketing Practicum, and Management Information Systems courses that involve projects with external industry partners.
With eight centers and institutes, students have ample opportunities to engage in creative and innovative projects while networking with industry professionals. The college’s advising center is dedicated to supporting business students in their junior and senior years. The college also hosts numerous events, such as the Women in Leadership League Conference, the Finance Summit, the Economic Summit, and the C-Suite Mixer, where faculty nominate students to network with Silicon Valley C-level executives.
There are 25 active business-specific student organizations that enrich the student experience.
RECENT INNOVATIONS
The college has launched several innovative programs including the Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) programs which allow students to begin their master’s coursework while finishing their bachelor’s degrees. The college also introduced an Entrepreneurship Certificate, offering hands-on training in innovation and entrepreneurship, with mentorship from industry professionals to launch innovative projects or startups.
The Career Launch Initiative (CLI) is a two-session program designed to build students’ toolkits for success and enhance their confidence for future career paths. Collaborations with the Black Leadership and Opportunity Center (BLOC) and faculty advisors led to the establishment of the Black Business Student Association, providing a community for business students to network and create opportunities in a supportive environment.
Lucas offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with the following concentrations: Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Business Analytics, Corporate Accounting and Finance, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Hospitality, Human Resources, International Business, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, and Operations and Supply Chain Management.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Lucas emphasizes experiential learning, integrating real-world experiences into the curriculum. Students participate in internships, consulting projects, and industry collaborations, ensuring they graduate with practical experience. The Business Honors Program offers students the opportunity to work on significant projects at major organizations in Silicon Valley, guided by faculty mentors. Additionally, the college’s Centers and Institutes provide platforms for students to engage in creative and innovative projects while networking with industry professionals.
The college’s faculty comprises highly qualified professionals from top research universities and experienced industry practitioners. This blend of academic rigor and practical experience enriches the learning environment, providing students with insights into contemporary business challenges. The college’s strong ties to Silicon Valley industries facilitate numerous events and networking opportunities, such as the Women in Leadership League Conference, the Finance Summit, the Economic Summit, and the C-Suite Mixer, where students can interact with industry leaders and gain valuable insights.
ALUMNI SAY
“I participated in the International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition and it was incredibly helpful in understanding the different components of running an organization. The hands-on learning experience was unique and memorable.”
“I was part of the Honors program which is a class during senior year. This class worked with a real company in Silicon Valley on a small project. There were 15 people total and this was an amazing experience. I got to learn what it’s like to plan for sprints and execute scrum ceremonies. This leaped my project management career ahead (also counting as a full year of working experience since there was a real company).”
“SJSU is a great university for individuals looking for a degree on a budget. I myself am a first-generation college grad and found the university’s resources very helpful. It helped me land my first job through the business club BIA or the Banking and Investment Association. SJSU is located in the Silicon Valley so there are plenty of opportunities to network with tech companies through the university.”
“The business program’s network and connections I made joining SHRM at SJSU helped me connect with Alumni in the HR industry and get my first internship offer right after graduation.”
