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Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA·Private nonprofit·6,235 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students focused on high earning potential. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $85,300 within 10 years; strong 88% graduation rate.

44%
Accept
6,235
Students
$50,959
Net Price
88%
Grad Rate
$85,300
Earnings
10 yr
$16,845
Debt

About This School

Santa Clara University is a private nonprofit institution located in Santa Clara, California with approximately 6,235 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 44% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $50,959 per year. The graduation rate is 88%, and the typical graduate earns $85,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit university in Santa Clara, California, United States. Established in 1851, Santa Clara University is the oldest operating institution of higher learning in California. The university's campus surrounds the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asís which traces its founding to 1777. The campus mirrors the Mission's architectural style and contains Mission Revival architecture and other Spanish Colonial Revival styles. The university is classified as a "Doctoral/Professional" university.

This is a strong option for students drawn to a values-driven, Jesuit education in the heart of Silicon Valley — an 88% graduation rate and median earnings of $85,300 a decade out suggest most students land on their feet. The relatively low median debt of $16,845 is a genuine bright spot, though the $50,959 annual net price is still a serious commitment, so make sure the aid package is real before getting attached. At a 44% acceptance rate, it's selective without being a long shot, making it a reasonable target for students who want a tight-knit campus with strong professional connections nearby.

Founded
1851
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing30%
Engineering14%
Social Sciences12%
Communications9%
Biological Sciences7%
Psychology7%
Health Professions3%
Visual & Performing Arts2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Khaled HosseiniGavin NewsomSteve NashJerry BrownJanet NapolitanoShemar MoorePaul KantnerBrendan EichLloyd BaconFrank MurkowskiJulie ErtzMichael Trucco

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1417
Reading 75th %ile730
Math 75th %ile770

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite32

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$59,241
Out-of-State Tuition
$59,241
Avg Net Price
$50,959
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants11%
Median debt at graduation$16,845

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
88%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
94%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$85,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$16,845
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$16,845
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$63,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$85,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 5.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White38%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino19%
Asian21%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (6,235 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Santa Clara University

500 El Camino Real

Santa Clara, CA 95053

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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