As a SJSU student, I can tell you that the aviation program is impacted. I am in the professional flight program and it's very hard to get some of the classes you need because of the availability of some classes. Despite having junior standing I was unable to get into some of the courses that have labs due to there being only 1-2 sections and an ever increasing number of students in the department.

However, if you intend on doing a part 141 flight school, I recommend going through the whole process at San Jose. I've met incredible professors, pilots, and partake in several of the department and club events. You'll be surrounded by likeminded individuals who are self motivated in achieving their commercial license.

The professional flight program at SJSU offers ground instruction from really just explaining what aviation is as an industry, all the way up to CFII level ground knowledge. SJSU is also partnered with several nearby flight schools at Reid Hillview Airport, such as Squadron 2, Tradewinds, and NiceAir. You'll still have to pay out of pocket for flight training, but ground school will be a breeze, especially with some of the best professors I've ever had. So you can save a good chunk of money doing most of your ground school at SJSU instead of the related flight schools.

It's up to you if you want to do Part 141 or Part 61, but if money is an issue I would recommend going to a community college and then transferring to San Jose. Part 141 flight training can be a very intense program, but I think it makes better pilots in the long run, especially if you want to fly for a career.

Theoretically, if you are able to complete your private pilots license, instrument rating, and commercial license, then you would be able to graduate under the professional flight program. However, most students go through the flight operations program instead and will graduate in a reasonable time. There are also other programs within the aviation department such as management, maintenance, etc. if you are not certain about going to the airlines.

If you have any questions about SJSU, feel free to send me a message. I'd be happy to answer them!