All schools
PrivateUrban

Santa Clara University

SCU

Santa Clara, California 95053

Visit website

Campus Vibe

Business-focusedUrbanGreek lifeSports culture

Top graduate earnings — known for business

Santa Clara University is a private institution in Santa Clara with particular strength in business and engineering. With an average SAT of 1417, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 6.2K undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

88% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $109,183 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $50,959.

Established
1851
Motto
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Mascot
Bucky Bronco
Type
Private university
Conference
West Coast Conference
Division
Division II

Campus Visits

2 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Apr 13 · Campus Tour
44%Acceptance
1417SAT Avg
6,235Students
10:1Student:Faculty
88%Grad Rate
$109,183Earnings 10yr
$50,959Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Santa Clara University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate43.8%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1417

Reading & WritingMid: 685
660730
MathMid: 725
680770

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 32
3033

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

43.8%

Trend

SAT Avg

1417

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$59,241
Room & Board$18,984
Books & Supplies$939
Total Cost of Attendance$77,768
Average Net Price$50,959
Median Debt at Graduation$19,162
Monthly Payment (10yr)$203

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$36,094
$30–48K$51,894
$48–75K$41,599
$75–110K$30,672
$110K+$60,212

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$50,959

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

7600.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$16,845

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

46

Peer Average

37

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Programs (89)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
6,235
Gender Split
49% / 51%
Women / Men
First Generation
17%
Pell Grant Recipients
11%

Race & Ethnicity

White 38%
Black 4%
Hispanic 19%
Asian 21%
Two+ 9%
Int'l 8%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate88.4%
Freshman Retention93.6%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$91,198
8 Years$99,543
10 Years$109,183

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$77,100
Men
$96,100

Rankings

Wall Street Journal
#38
Washington Monthly
#132

More About This School

Varsity Sports

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

153Very High

Estimated from CA state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 5"Sunny days: 250Rainy days: 75

Nearest Cities

San Franciscopop. 870K
40 mi(69 min)
Los Angelespop. 3.9M
308 mi(534 min)
San Diegopop. 1.4M
419 mi(726 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Santa Clara University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications