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Santa Clara University

#5 in Best Catholic Colleges in America
  • A
    Overall Grade
  • 4 Year
  • Santa Clara, CA
  • 1,335 reviews
    A
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      A
    2. Value
      A+
    3. Diversity
      A
    4. Campus
      A
    5. Athletics
      B+
    6. Party Scene
      A
    7. Professors
      B+
    8. Location
      B+
    9. Dorms
      A+
    10. Campus Food
      A
    11. Student Life
      A
    12. Safety
      B-
    View Full Report Card
    Santa Clara is a highly rated private, Catholic university located in Santa Clara, California in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is a mid-size institution with an enrollment of 5,411 undergraduate students. Admissions is fairly competitive as the Santa Clara acceptance rate is 54%. Popular majors include Finance, Communications, and Psychology. Graduating 90% of students, Santa Clara alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $61,100.
    About Santa Clara University...
    Athletic Division
    NCAA Division I (without football)
    Athletic Conference
    West Coast Conference
    Address
    500 El Camino Real
    Santa Clara, CA 95053
    Website
    scu.edu/admission/undergraduate

    Santa Clara University Rankings

    Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

    Admissions

    Acceptance Rate
    54%
    Application Deadline
    January 7
    SAT Range
    1270-1440
    ACT Range
    28-32
    Application Fee
    $60
    SAT/ACT
    Required
    High School GPA
    Required
    Early Decision/Early Action
    Yes

    Test Prep

    SAT and ACT Prep Options
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    Cost

    Net Price
    $38,900/ year
    National
    $15,523
    Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
    Net Price by Household Income
    • <$30k
      $21,104/ year
    • $30-48k
      $19,242/ year
    • $49-75k
      $22,654/ year
    • $76-110k
      $31,505/ year
    • $110k+
      $43,052/ year

    Academics

    Professors
    B+
    Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Faculty Ratio
    11:1
    Evening Degree Programs
    Yes
    90%
    of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.81 responses
    79%
    of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.125 responses
    77%
    of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.125 responses

    Majors

    Most Popular Majors
    • Finance
      154 Graduates
    • Communications
      131 Graduates
    • Psychology
      123 Graduates
    • Economics
      105 Graduates
    • Political Science and Government
      87 Graduates
    • Biology
      81 Graduates
    • Marketing
      74 Graduates
    • Mechanical Engineering
      71 Graduates
    • Accounting
      70 Graduates
    • Computer Hardware Engineering
      65 Graduates

    Students

    Full-Time Enrollment
    5,411Undergrads
    Part-Time Undergrads
    88
    Undergrads Over 25
    1%
    Pell Grant
    10%
    Varsity Athletes
    7%
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
    Based on 79 responses
    Report
    • Well-rounded
      35%
    • Driven
      19%
    • Diverse
      10%
    • Outgoing
      10%
    • Chill
      8%
    • Stressed
      8%
    • Entitled
      4%

    Campus Life

    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    96%
    Poll
    44%
    of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.117 responses
    Poll
    54%
    of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.160 responses
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes your school?
    Based on 83 responses
    Report
    • Perfect.
      30%
    • Serene
      16%
    • Pretty chill
      13%
    • A Resort.
      12%
    • California
      10%
    • Home away from home
      10%
    • Fast-paced
      4%

    After College

    Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
    $72,600/ year
    National
    $33,028
    Graduation Rate
    90%
    National
    49%
    Employed 2 Years After Graduation
    94%
    National
    83%
    85%
    of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.40 responses
    Colleges like Santa Clara University
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    Santa Clara University Reviews

    1,335 reviews
    All Categories
    I am a rising sophomore at Santa Clara University, and my experience thus far has been amazing to say the least. Coming into a four year university as a Latinx first-generation student was nerve-wracking at first; I wasn't sure how well I would adapt to a new environment. However, I was immediately received with open arms in a community that prides itself in acceptance, diversity, inclusion, and bronco spirit! Throughout my first year, I became involved in activities such as Associated Student Government, Mecha-El Frente, Campus Ministry, and the Office of Multicultural Learning. I have been able to find an incredible support system, long-life friends, outstanding professors, a social residential learning experience, and an active student life. In addition, the academics are extremely strong as professors prioritize their students, meaning that they put the well-being and success of those they teach in order to prepare them appropriately for future careers.
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    Every class I have taken has stretched me intellectually without being too much work. The small class size also allows for lots of discussion-driven classes, which are always way better than huge lectures. The frats and sororities aren't super cliquey either so the party scene is really fun but also not overbearing. The food can be repetitive, but there are lots of really good/healthy options! There are lots of opportunities on this campus, but you have to have to be proactive in getting, internships, awards, grants, and so on.
    SCU is a tightly knit community of ambitious students who you will see in the lib until 6am one day and at parties the next. Professors aren’t just lecturers, they are mentors and readily available outside of class. It’s a school small enough to give you a valuable education with a budget large enough to support any of your academic and extracurricular endeavors.
    And have you seen the quad?!