Santa Clara University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Santa Clara, California with 6,552 undergraduates. It admits 48% of applicants, costs an average of $50,570 a year after grants and graduates 87% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Santa Clara University acceptance rate and admissions
Santa Clara University admitted 48% of applicants for fall 2024, about 1 in 2. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 670 to 730, math 680 to 760). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Santa Clara University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early decision | Nov 1, 2026 (passed) |
| Early decision II | Jan 7, 2027 |
| Early action | Nov 1, 2026 (passed) |
| Regular decision | Jan 7, 2027 |
Next deadline: Early decision II, Jan 7, 2027. Application fee through the Common App: $75 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Santa Clara University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Santa Clara University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $63,513 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $19,446 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $84,261 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $50,570 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $50,570 a year after grants and scholarships, $33,691 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Santa Clara University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Santa Clara University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 87% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $117,193 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $19,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 17% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Santa Clara University majors and what graduates earn
Santa Clara University awarded bachelor's degrees in 42 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from computer engineering ($163,765).
All 42 majors at Santa Clara University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Santa Clara University
24 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 24 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer engineering | Master's | 305 | $149,078 | n/a |
| Law | Professional doctorate | 203 | $98,780 | $181,936 |
| Business administration | Master's | 180 | $166,185 | $92,990 |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Master's | 122 | $68,468 | $62,877 |
| Business analytics and operations research | Master's | 110 | $110,071 | $47,583 |
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 42 | $71,131 | $32,817 |
| Computer and information sciences | Master's | 30 | n/a | n/a |
| Divinity and ministry | Master's | 29 | n/a | n/a |
| Marketing | Master's | 28 | $92,109 | $41,089 |
| Education leadership | Master's | 24 | $105,580 | n/a |
| Religious studies | Master's | 22 | n/a | n/a |
| Divinity and ministry | Professional doctorate | 22 | n/a | n/a |
| Mechanical engineering | Master's | 15 | n/a | n/a |
| Education leadership | Doctoral | 14 | n/a | n/a |
| Engineering-Related Fields | Master's | 12 | $124,939 | n/a |
| Computer engineering | Doctoral | 6 | n/a | n/a |
| Biomedical engineering | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Civil engineering | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Divinity and ministry | Doctoral | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies | Master's | 2 | n/a | n/a |
| Aerospace engineering | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Mechanical engineering | Doctoral | 1 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 6,552 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 50% women, 51% men
- 11 students for every faculty member
- Setting: midsize city
- Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University admitted 48% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Santa Clara University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $63,513. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $50,570 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Santa Clara University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 670 to 730 in reading and writing and 680 to 760 in math, and 31 to 33 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Santa Clara University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Santa Clara University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Santa Clara University?
87% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Santa Clara University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $117,193 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in California · Santa Clara University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.