Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University is a private nonprofit university in Santa Clara, CA ranked #187 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 6,552 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 48.0%. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Day to day, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 93.9% first-year retention, and 87.9% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $50,062, about $33,064 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -54.5%, roughly 139.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $91,198. That's about $47,510 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Santa Clara University has an acceptance rate of 48.0%, annual tuition of $61,293, average net price of $50,062, and a national rank of #187 (Grade A-), with a 87.9% six-year graduation rate, about 6,552 undergraduates, and median earnings of $91,198 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Santa Clara University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Santa Clara University graduates 87.9% of students within six years and keeps 93.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Santa Clara University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $61,293 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,062 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $19,893 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,446 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $82,026 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 11.3% of Santa Clara University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $22,985 to $60,678 depending on family income. Use Santa Clara University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $37,219/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $60,678/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $91,198
- 10-Year Median Earnings $91,198
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $16,845
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 88.0%
- Employment Rate 92.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Santa Clara University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Santa Clara University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Santa Clara University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Santa Clara University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Santa Clara University graduates earn $91,198 median, the -54.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 670-730
- SAT Math 680-760
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 31-33
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 6,552
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 93.9%
- Graduation Rate 87.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Santa Clara University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Santa Clara University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 48.0%, Santa Clara University is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Santa Clara University accepts 48.0% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1350 and 1490 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Santa Clara University undergraduates. Finance and Financial Management Services, Communication and Media Studies, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Finance and Financial Management Services 9.4%
- Communication and Media Studies 7.7%
- Psychology, General 6.6%
- Economics 5.9%
- Marketing 5.8%
- Accounting and Related Services 5.4%
See more majors
- Mathematics and Computer Science 5.2%
- Political Science and Government 5.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $191,635
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $139,616
- 3. Economics $128,642
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Finance and Financial Management Services $127,056
- 5. Accounting and Related Services $123,065
- 6. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $118,457
- 7. Mechanical Engineering $118,350
- 8. Civil Engineering $111,831
- 9. Marketing $100,123
- 10. Management Information Systems and Services $93,042
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Computer Engineering (Master's Degree) $196,357
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $194,180
- 3. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $169,141
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $144,633
- 5. Law (Doctoral Degree) $139,397
- 6. Law (First Professional Degree) $135,208
- 7. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $114,501
- 8. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $102,953
- 9. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $92,238
- 10. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $90,576
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $191,635—106% more than Management Information Systems and Services ($93,042). Graduate: Computer Engineering programs lead with $196,357 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Santa Clara University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer Engineering (Master's Degree, 278 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 207 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 149 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 122 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 109 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (45 programs)â–¼
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Psychology, General
- Economics
- Marketing
- Accounting and Related Services
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Political Science and Government
- Computer Engineering
- Biology, General
- Public Health
- Mechanical Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Philosophy
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- History
- Civil Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Anthropology
- Music
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Physics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Engineering Physics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Engineering, General
- Chemistry
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Natural Sciences
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Business/Commerce, General
Online Master's Degrees (16 programs)â–¼
- Computer Engineering
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Applied Mathematics
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
- Civil Engineering
- Engineering, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
Online Doctoral Degrees (4 programs)â–¼
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Computer Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)â–¼
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Online First Professional Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Engineering
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 6,552
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 50.5%
- Female Students 49.5%
- Caucasian 36.5%
- Asian 21.4%
- Hispanic 19.8%
- Black 3.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 11.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Santa Clara University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Santa Clara University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Santa Clara University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Santa Clara University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Santa Clara University has a diverse student body, with 36.5% identifying as White. About 11.3% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Santa Clara University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Santa Clara University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Santa Clara University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -54.5% ROI. Ranked #187 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $50,062 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $91,198 median earnings. With 87.9% graduating within six years and 93.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Santa Clara University's Positioning
With a A- grade and #187 ranking, Santa Clara University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $50,062 annually, Santa Clara University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 93.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $35,043 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -54.5% ROI and $91,198 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $40,062+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Santa Clara University ranks #187 of 6101 institutions, with 1188 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 87.9% six-year graduation rate sits 25.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 93.9% first-year retention is 17.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -54.5% return on investment is 139.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $91,198 run about 109% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $50,062 is roughly $32,665 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 93.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.6% employment rate within three years sits 24.4 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $50,062 is about $32,665 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 11.3% trails the national share by 27.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Santa Clara University, a private nonprofit university in Santa Clara, CA, secures a A- grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #187 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion A, Support A-, Career Outcomes A+, and Affordability D-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 93.9% retention and 87.9% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -54.5% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $50,062 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $82,026.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $31,964 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,845 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 11.3% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $91,198 at the median. That sits about 109% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 92.6%.
The ROI comes in near -54.5%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
48.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Santa Clara University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa Clara University's acceptance rate?
Santa Clara University's acceptance rate is 48.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Santa Clara University cost?
At Santa Clara University, listed tuition and fees are $61,293 per year, and the average net price after aid is $50,062. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Santa Clara University's ranking?
Santa Clara University ranks #187 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Santa Clara University's graduation rate?
At Santa Clara University, the six-year graduation rate is 87.9%, and first-year retention is 93.9%.
What are Santa Clara University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Santa Clara University report median earnings of $91,198 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Santa Clara University's student population?
Santa Clara University enrolls about 6,552 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Santa Clara, CA 95053
- Website www.scu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$1.48B