Overview
Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University is California's oldest operating institution of higher education, established by the Society of Jesus on the site of the original Mission Santa Clara de Asís. As a Jesuit Catholic university, SCU emphasizes ethical leadership, social justice, and educating the whole person, while its location in the heart of Silicon Valley has fostered a strong reputation in business, engineering, and technology entrepreneurship. The university is well regarded for its Leavey School of Business and School of Engineering, alongside strong programs in the liberal arts through its College of Arts and Sciences.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Santa Clara, California |
| Founded | 1851 |
| Total students | 8,900 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 13:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 48% |
| Graduation rate | 88% |
| Average starting salary | $75,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $59,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $59,500 |
| Room & board | $17,000 |
| Average financial aid | $38,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 65% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1310-1470 |
| ACT range | 29-33 |
| Average GPA | 3.85 |
| Regular deadline | January 7 |
Top Programs
- Finance
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Marketing
- Political Science
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.