Santa Clara University campus
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Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private · 6,552 students

Sunny Silicon Valley Innovation Hub

Acceptance rate

48.0%

SAT (mid 50%)

1350–1490

Avg net price

$50,062

after aid

Testing

Optional

2027 cycle

Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the Santa Clara University admissions site.

Your chances

How hard is it to get in?

Santa Clara University admitted 48.0% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That’s selective. Fewer than half of the students who apply get in.

Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1350–1490 on the SAT and 31–33 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.

The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Santa Clara University actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

What they value

Ethics-Driven Innovation

A Santa Clara education gives you more than a degree, it transforms the way you see the world and your place in it.

The academic structure features an interdisciplinary approach that fosters innovation, while its distinctive mission integrates ethics into fields like business, technology, and healthcare, providing a whole-person education.

  • Academic DivisionsCollege of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, Leavey School of Business
  • Experiential Learningtheory to practice, community-based coursework, internships, independent researc
  • Close Faculty Interaction10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, professors dedicated to teaching and research

Verified from scu.edu and scu.edu and scu.edu and scu.edu and scu.edu and scu.edu and scu.edu and www.scu.edu.

Applying

Here’s what to send, and when.

  • TestingOptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from scu.edu.

The essays

Here are the supplemental essay prompts.

The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.

    Every prompt, with how to approach each →

    Verified from scu.edu.

    Cost and aid

    What will you actually pay?

    The sticker price is about $82,026. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $50,062.

    Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $109,183.

    Verified from scu.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

    Academics

    These are the most popular majors.

    • Finance and Financial Management Services10% of degrees
    • Communication and Media Studies8% of degrees
    • Psychology, General7% of degrees
    • Mathematics and Computer Science6% of degrees
    • Marketing6% of degrees
    • Political Science and Government6% of degrees

    Campus life

    Here’s the feel of the place.

    “Whether you're a Division I athlete or an urban farmer, you'll find your place and expand your horizons, fostering Bronco Spirit and community.”

    Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the campus offers 300+ days of sunshine per year, with companies like Google, Apple, NVIDIA, and Cisco recruiting heavily from its vibrant community.

    Tech-integratedSunnyCommunity-focused

    Quick answers

    What do people ask about Santa Clara University?

    Is Santa Clara University test-optional?
    For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Santa Clara University is optional.
    How hard is it to get into Santa Clara University?
    Very hard. Santa Clara University admits 48.0% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1350 to 1490 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
    How much does Santa Clara University cost?
    The list price is about $82,026. After aid, families pay $50,062 on average.
    Is Santa Clara University worth it?
    Graduates earn a median of $109,183 ten years after enrolling. 88% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.

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    Ask Spike anything about Santa Clara University.

    Spike answers from Santa Clara University’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.