Private nonprofit Institution

Santa Clara University — Santa Clara, California

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Annual Tuition $59,241

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 43.8%

Selective

Enrollment 6,235

Active Students

Avg. Salary $109,183

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Santa Clara, California

Institution type Private nonprofit

Accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Founded 1/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Santa Clara University stands as a pillar of higher education in Santa Clara, providing a robust academic foundation for 6,235 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Santa Clara University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Santa Clara University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

29.7%

Enrollment Share

Engineering

14.4%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences

11.5%

Enrollment Share

Communications

8.6%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences

7.5%

Enrollment Share

Multi/Interdisciplinary

6.9%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Engineering College

The Engineering curriculum focuses on innovation and real-world problem solving...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Santa Clara University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Santa Clara University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Santa Clara University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Multi/Interdisciplinary College

The Multi/Interdisciplinary program at Santa Clara University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Santa Clara University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 43.8%

Difficulty Moderate

Santa Clara University maintains an acceptance rate of 43.8%, reflecting its status as a selective institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 51.4%

Women Enrollment 48.6%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 660 - 730

SAT Mathematics 680 - 770

ACT Mathematics 27 - 33

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Santa Clara University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $59,241

Out-of-State Tuition $59,241

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 10.9%

Median Student Debt $19,162

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $59,241, graduates see a median starting salary of $109,183, making it one of the most affordable pathways in California.

What salary can Santa Clara University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $109,183

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 88.5%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $50,959

Median Salary (6yr) $91,198

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara?

6,235 Students

Gender Comparison

51.4% Men

48.6% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

93.6%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

Pacific Islander

0.2%

Asian

21.5%

Black

3.5%

White

37.5%

Unknown

1.9%

Hispanic

18.7%

Two or More Races

8.9%

International

7.8%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 20

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First-Generation 16.5%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 32.6%

💍

Married Students 1.4%

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Retention (Part-time) 66.7%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$93,581
Average Family Income	$132,762
Median Family Income	$97,113

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

51%

49.1%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Santa Clara Campus Environment

Located at 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of California. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Santa Clara University compare?

Direct Comparison Santa Clara University vs Mission College →

Direct Comparison Santa Clara University vs Golden Gate University-Silicon Valley →

Common Questions about Santa Clara University

Is Santa Clara University a good college in Santa Clara, California?

Santa Clara University is a recognized institution in Santa Clara with an enrollment of 6,235 students. It is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in California based on Department of Education data.

Is Santa Clara University worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Santa Clara University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $109,183. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Santa Clara University cost for California residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Santa Clara University is approximately $59,241. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $59,241. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Santa Clara University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Santa Clara University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 32.6% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Santa Clara University good for Business & Marketing and Engineering programs?

Santa Clara University is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Engineering programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Santa Clara University?

Graduates of Santa Clara University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $109,183, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Santa Clara University?

Santa Clara University operates with a Selective policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Santa Clara University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Santa Clara University follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Santa Clara University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Santa Clara University earn a median salary of $109,183 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Santa Clara University a good investment compared to other CA colleges?

Santa Clara University stands out as a high-value investment in California. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Santa Clara University located and what is the campus like?

Santa Clara University is located at 500 El Camino Real in Santa Clara, CA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 6,235 learners.

Who typically attends Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA?

The student body at Santa Clara University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 16.5% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: California

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

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