Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants.
48%
SAT 25th-75th percentileThe middle range of SAT scores for admitted students: a quarter scored below the low number and a quarter scored above the high number.
1350–1490
Undergrad enrollment
6,552
Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost.
$50,062
In-state tuition
$61,293
Out-of-state tuition
$61,293
Avg GPA
3.73
Avg SAT
1360–1480
Tuition
$63,514
Top Majors
Finance, Psychology, Computer Science
Acceptance Rate
48%
4-Year Grad Rate
88%
Avg Financial Aid
$52,229
Alumni Earnings Rank
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University's acceptance rate is approximately 48% (Santa Clara, CA), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Santa Clara University?
Admitted students at Santa Clara University typically score 1350–1490 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Santa Clara University cost?
At Santa Clara University, the average net price (after aid) is about $50,062 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University enrolls approximately 6,552 undergraduate students.
Where is Santa Clara University located?
Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA.
Santa Clara University blends Jesuit tradition with Silicon Valley ambition, offering a tight-knit campus where 88% of students graduate—many into top-tier tech and business careers. With an acceptance rate hovering around 48%, SCU attracts high-achievers (average SAT: 1413) who want small classes, a collaborative vibe, and proximity to Apple and Google internships. The sticker price is steep ($63,514), but 30% of students receive aid averaging $52,229.
Admissions
Santa Clara’s admissions process is moderately selective, with a 48% acceptance rate for the Class of 2028. The middle 50% SAT range is 1360–1480, and ACT scores fall between 31–33. Unweighted GPAs average 3.73, with 55% of admitted students holding a 3.75+ GPA. SCU is test-optional and prioritizes course rigor and GPA over extracurriculars or essays (per their Common Data Set (CDS)A standardized report most colleges publish each year with admissions, test-score, and financial-aid figures, making schools easier to compare.). About 42% of students come from out-of-state, and the university actively recruits a diverse class—Latine/x enrollment hit a record high in 2023.
SCU offers 50+ majors across its College of Arts and Sciences, Leavey School of Business, and School of Engineering. Popular programs include Finance, Psychology, and Computer Science, with small class sizes (student-faculty ratio: 11:1) and a Jesuit emphasis on ethics and social justice. The curriculum blends liberal arts with pre-professional training—think philosophy seminars alongside Silicon Valley startup incubators. Graduate programs in business and engineering are strong feeders to Bay Area tech firms.
The vibe is collaborative, not cutthroat, with a mix of laid-back Californians and career-focused go-getters. Parties exist but aren’t dominant—94% of students report feeling safe on campus, and the ‘Culture of CARE’ initiative promotes mental health support. The 106-acre campus, dotted with Spanish mission-style architecture, is a 10-minute drive from San Jose. TikTok tours highlight outdoor study spots, Jesuit service projects, and spontaneous runs to In-N-Out Burger.
SCU delivers top-tier ROI: its alumni earn median salaries in the top 1% nationally, ranking #7 out of 1,503 schools. The 88% graduation rate outpaces most peers, and graduates land at companies like Google, KPMG, and Tesla. The Silicon Valley location pays off—60% of students complete internships before graduating. US News ranks SCU among the best for long-term financial value.
Sticker price hits $63,514, but 30% of undergrads receive financial aid, with an average package of $52,229. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. for most aid recipients is $50,551—still steep, but SCU argues the Silicon Valley earnings justify it. Merit scholarships are competitive (typically for 3.8+ GPAs), and the university meets 100% of demonstrated need for admitted students.
SCU merges Jesuit values with tech hustle—where else can you attend Mass, then network with a Tesla recruiter at the campus career fair? Its 88% graduation rate and top 1% alumni earnings defy its ‘safety school’ reputation, while the 48% acceptance rate makes it accessible compared to Stanford down the road. For students who want small classes, sunny courtyards, and a foot in the Silicon Valley door, it’s a golden ticket.
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