At $50,959/yr net price, Santa Clara University graduates earn $109,183/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $75,183/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $50,959 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $203,836 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $109,183/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$75,183/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 88.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,162 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $36,094/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $51,894/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $41,599/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,672/yr |
| $110,001+ | $60,212/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $128,588 | $59,170 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $127,993 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $116,083 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $104,192 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $103,449 | $24,833 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Master | $88,639 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $86,424 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $86,424 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $80,391 | $19,995 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $79,473 |
The Risk Factor
88.5% of students at Santa Clara University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Santa Clara University delivers strong financial returns despite its $51,000 annual price tag, with graduates earning a median $109,000 ten years after graduation. The Silicon Valley location creates strong earning potential that justifies the high upfront cost for most students.
Business and engineering majors see the strongest returns, with business administration graduates earning $129,000 annually. Engineering fields cluster around $110,000-$128,000, reflecting the school's proximity to major tech employers. Computer engineering graduates face moderate debt loads of $25,000 while still reaching six-figure salaries, making these programs particularly attractive from a financial standpoint.
The biggest financial risk lies in choosing lower-earning majors at a high-cost institution. With only 11% of students receiving need-based aid, you'll likely pay close to full price unless you qualify for merit scholarships. The median debt of $19,000 stays manageable because many families can afford to pay without borrowing heavily.
This school works financially for families who can handle the $200,000+ total cost or students targeting high-paying careers in business or tech. The Silicon Valley network and local job market create earning opportunities that offset the premium tuition. You should look elsewhere if you're pursuing lower-paying fields or need substantial financial aid, as the limited aid availability makes this school financially risky for middle-income families who don't qualify for need-based help but struggle with the full cost.
Focus on merit scholarship opportunities during admission, as these represent your best chance to reduce costs at a school with limited need-based aid distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Clara University worth the $50,959 annual cost?
Santa Clara graduates earn $109,183 ten years after graduation, making the high sticker price more manageable than it appears. The strong alumni network in Silicon Valley helps justify costs for business and engineering majors specifically.
Which Santa Clara University programs offer the best return on investment?
Business and engineering programs deliver the strongest ROI, with business graduates earning $128,588 and engineering graduates averaging $116,000-128,000. Liberal arts and other non-STEM majors face much weaker earning potential relative to the cost.
How much debt do Santa Clara University graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $19,162, which is reasonable given the earning potential for top programs. However, students in lower-paying majors may struggle with this debt level.
Does Santa Clara University provide good financial aid to offset costs?
With a net price of $50,959, financial aid brings costs down but still leaves families paying significantly more than public alternatives. The aid helps but doesn't make Santa Clara affordable for most middle-class families without substantial loans.