21 Lesser-Known Schools That Quietly Produce Top Earners
13. San Jose State University – San Jose, CA
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose State is a prime example of a public university that leverages location to its advantage. Its engineering, computer science, and business grads are often recruited straight into top tech firms like Apple, Cisco, and Adobe. While it may not carry the prestige of nearby Stanford, its alumni are working shoulder-to-shoulder with elite grads—and earning similar paychecks. Thanks to strong employer partnerships and a focus on applied learning, San Jose State students build portfolios and resumes that speak for themselves. Median early-career salary: $77,300.
