Santa Clara University
The Vibe Check
Santa Clara University offers a vibrant, intimate Jesuit learning community where students are encouraged to think critically and act ethically. The campus feels like a lush, mission-style oasis in the heart of Silicon Valley, blending historic architecture with modern innovation. It’s a place where students are driven but collaborative, balancing rigorous academics with a strong sense of purpose and service.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
SCU is renowned for its top-tier Leavey School of Business and highly regarded engineering programs, which benefit immensely from the university's prime location in Silicon Valley. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, with small class sizes that foster direct mentorship from professors who are often industry leaders. Students have ample opportunities for hands-on research and internships, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Santa Clara
Student life at SCU is active and centered around its beautiful campus, with a strong emphasis on tradition, school spirit, and outdoor activities given the great weather. Students frequently head off-campus to enjoy the diverse food scene in nearby San Jose, explore California's Great America theme park, or take weekend trips to San Francisco or the beaches. The proximity to major tech companies also means a vibrant culture of networking events, startup meetups, and internship opportunities.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($109,183):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus itself is considered very safe with a dedicated and responsive campus safety department, though students should remain aware of their surroundings. The surrounding Santa Clara area is a safe, affluent suburban city, but like any urban-adjacent location, it's wise to take standard precautions, especially at night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Prime location in Silicon Valley provides unparalleled access to internships and tech companies.
- ✓ Excellent graduation (88.5%) and retention (93.6%) rates indicate high student satisfaction and support.
- ✓ Strong, influential alumni network in business and technology.
- ✓ Beautiful, mission-style campus with modern facilities.
Cons
- ✗ High tuition cost with limited out-of-state financial aid.
- ✗ Campus social life can feel insular or 'bubble-like' for some students.
- ✗ Pell Grant rate is relatively low (10.9%), suggesting a less socioeconomically diverse student body.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Santa Clara University is primarily known for its excellent business and engineering schools, deeply integrated with the Silicon Valley ecosystem. It is also recognized for its Jesuit tradition, which emphasizes ethical leadership, social responsibility, and a strong liberal arts core curriculum.
Yes, Santa Clara University is considered a selective institution. With an acceptance rate of 43.84%, it is moderately competitive. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1320-1480 (or an equivalent ACT score) and a strong GPA, though holistic review considers essays, extracurriculars, and demonstrated interest.
Campus life at SCU is a blend of spirited tradition and academic focus. Students enjoy a close-knit community on a beautiful, walkable campus, with strong school spirit centered around NCAA Division I athletics. The Jesuit values encourage active participation in service and leadership, and the location provides easy access to off-campus cultural and recreational activities in the Bay Area.
For many students, especially those in business and STEM, the investment can be worthwhile. The combination of a high graduation rate, strong alumni network in a high-wage region, and a 10-year median salary of over $109,000 suggests a positive return on investment. However, prospective students should carefully compare financial aid packages and consider the high net price relative to other options.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1851
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 6,340
- In-State Tuition $59,241
- Zip Code 95053
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a high sticker price and an average net price over $50,000, SCU is a significant financial investment. However, the return on investment is strong, with a stellar 88.5% graduation rate and 10-year median earnings of $109,183, which is well above the national average. For students pursuing high-earning fields like business or engineering, the degree can be worth the cost, especially when leveraging the powerful Silicon Valley alumni network.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.