About Santa Clara University
Students pay an average net price of $50,959 after financial aid, though costs vary dramatically by family income. Families earning under $30,000 pay around $36,094, while those making over $110,000 pay $60,212. Graduates earn a median of $109,183 ten years after graduation, making the investment worthwhile for most. Students typically leave with $19,162 in debt and monthly loan payments of $203.
The university operates on a quarter system with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. Nearly 94% of students return for their sophomore year, and 88% graduate within four years. The campus houses 3,797 students in residence halls. As Division I Broncos in the West Coast Conference, the university fields 20 varsity sports with 375 student-athletes competing for $8.9 million in athletic scholarships.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 88.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 88.5%
- Retention Rate
- 93.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $109,183
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $128,588 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $127,993 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $116,083 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $104,192 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $103,449 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Master | $88,639 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $86,424 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $86,424 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $80,391 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $79,473 |
Campus Life
The quarter system keeps academic pace brisk, while the 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name. Students gravitate toward the Bronco for late-night snacks and the Benson Memorial Center for weekend activities. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes. Many students intern at nearby tech companies like Google and Apple during the school year. Weekend trips to San Francisco, Monterey, or Lake Tahoe are common, taking advantage of the central California location. The Jesuit tradition emphasizes service, with many students volunteering in the diverse Santa Clara community that surrounds campus.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 3,797 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1851
Campus Safety (2023)
41 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 43°–59°F
- July Avg
- 59°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 16.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 51.4%
- Women
- 48.6%
- White
- 37.5%
- Black
- 3.5%
- Hispanic
- 18.7%
- Asian
- 21.5%
- In-State Students
- 53.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 10.9%
Location
- Address
- Santa Clara, California 95053
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $109,183
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $104,986
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $63,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 88.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $203/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,162
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University accepts 52.11% of applicants, making it moderately selective among Silicon Valley institutions. Students typically score between 1290-1480 on the SAT, reflecting the university's appeal to high-achieving students drawn to its Jesuit education and tech industry connections.
How much does Santa Clara University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $50,959, though this varies by family income level. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $36,094, while those from the highest income brackets pay around $60,212, reflecting the university's commitment to making Jesuit education accessible.
What is Santa Clara University known for academically?
Santa Clara excels in business and engineering programs, leveraging its Silicon Valley location for internships and career opportunities. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention within the Jesuit tradition of well-rounded education that emphasizes both academic rigor and social responsibility.
How successful are Santa Clara University graduates in finding employment?
Graduates achieve a 94.3% employment rate and earn a median salary of $109,183 ten years after graduation. The university's Silicon Valley connections and strong alumni network, including tech leaders and public figures like former CIA Director Leon Panetta, provide valuable career pathways.
Where do students live at Santa Clara University?
The campus houses 3,797 students in residence halls, accommodating about 61% of the 6,235 total enrollment. This creates a close-knit community atmosphere typical of Jesuit institutions, where students engage in both academic pursuits and the university's mission of developing leaders for social justice.
Does Santa Clara University have a strong athletic program?
The Broncos compete in NCAA Division I with 20 varsity sports and 375 total athletes across the West Coast Conference. The university invests $8.9 million in athletic scholarships, supporting programs that have produced notable alumni like NBA Hall of Famer Steve Nash and current NBA All-Star Khris Middleton.
