About
Santa Clara University (SCU) is a private Jesuit university in Santa Clara, California. It was founded in 1851 and is the oldest operating institution of higher learning in California. Santa Clara University has over 10,000 students and offers over 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The Santa Clara University campus is located in Santa Clara, which is a city of about 115,000 people. The campus is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the Mission Santa Clara de Asís, which was founded in 1777.
Santa Clara University is a member of the West Coast Conference and competes in Division I athletics. The Broncos are one of the most successful college basketball programs in the West, having won five national championships.
Santa Clara University's student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1, and the average tuition fee for international students is $57,000.
What is the Acceptance Rate of Santa Clara University?
The acceptance rate of Santa Clara University is 52%. Santa Clara University is ranked #35 in the U.S. News & World Report's "National Liberal Arts Colleges" category, and it is also ranked #201 in the QS World University Rankings.
Top Reasons to Study in the Santa Clara University
- Strong academic reputation: Santa Clara University is a highly-ranked university with a strong focus on undergraduate education. Santa Clara University is ranked #35 in the U.S. News & World Report's "National Liberal Arts Colleges" category, and it is also ranked #201 in the QS World University Rankings.
- Vibrant campus life: Santa Clara University has a vibrant campus life with a variety of student organizations, intramural sports, and cultural events. There are over 300 student organizations on campus, so there is something for everyone. Santa Clara University is also located in the heart of Silicon Valley, so students have the opportunity to intern or work with some of the world's leading technology companies.
- Commitment to social justice: Santa Clara University is committed to social justice and has a strong focus on service learning. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of service-learning projects, both on and off campus. This is a great way to learn about different cultures and make a difference in the world.
- Beautiful campus: Santa Clara University's campus is located in a beautiful setting in the heart of Silicon Valley. The campus is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the Mission Santa Clara de Asís, which was founded in 1777.
- Strong alumni network: Santa Clara University has a strong alumni network that can provide students with support and guidance after graduation. Santa Clara University alumni are located all over the world, so students can always find someone to connect with.
Admissions
Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)
52%
Application Fee
$50 - $158
How to Apply at Santa Clara University
Undergraduate
- Visit the Santa Clara University website and create an account. [Link]
- Complete the online application.
- Submit your high school transcript.
- Submit your SAT or ACT scores.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Submit a personal statement.
- Pay the application fee. ($75)
Graduate
- Visit the Santa Clara University website and create an account. [Link]
- Complete the online application.
- Submit your official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended.
- Submit your GRE or GMAT scores (if required).
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Submit a personal statement.
- Pay the application fee. ($75)
Documents Required to Apply to Santa Clara University
Undergraduate Admissions
To be considered for admission to Santa Clara University as an undergraduate student, you must submit the following:
- An application form
- Official high school transcripts
- SAT or ACT scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Application fee ($75)
Graduate Admissions
To be considered for admission to Santa Clara University as a graduate student, you must submit the following:
- An application form
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
- GRE or GMAT scores (if required)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Application fee ($75)
Additional Requirements for International Students
International students who are applying to Santa Clara University must also submit the following:
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic)
- Financial documentation
- A letter of motivation
Exams Accepted By Santa Clara University
English Proficiency Exams
- TOEFL: 80 iBT or 610 PBT
- IELTS: 6.5
- PTE Academic: 52
- Duolingo: 110
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced
GRE
- Verbal Reasoning: 300
- Quantitative Reasoning: 300
- Analytical Writing: 3.0
GMAT
- Verbal: 550
- Quantitative: 550
- Analytical Writing: 4.0
SAT
- Reading and Writing: 1050
- Math: 600
ACT
- Composite: 22
Please note that these are just the minimum scores required for admission. The actual scores required may vary depending on the program you are applying to. For more information, please visit the official website of Santa Clara University.
Campus Life
Transportation in the city
- Buses
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) operates a bus system that serves the city of Santa Clara and the surrounding area. Buses are a convenient way to get around the city, and they are relatively inexpensive.
- Light Rail
The VTA also operates a light rail system that runs through the city of Santa Clara. The light rail is a great way to get to and from downtown Santa Clara, and it also connects to other parts of the Bay Area.
- Taxis
Taxis are available in Santa Clara, but they can be expensive. However, they can be a convenient option if you need to get to a destination that is not served by public transportation.
- Bikes
There are many bike paths and bike-share stations in Santa Clara. This makes biking a great way to get around the city. Bikes are also a relatively inexpensive way to get around, and they are good for the environment.
- Student Transportation Options
In addition to the public transportation options available to the general public, Santa Clara University also offers many transportation options for its students. These options include:
- The SCU Shuttle: The SCU Shuttle is a free bus service that runs throughout the university campus and to select destinations in the surrounding area.
- The SCU Zipcar: SCU Zipcar is a car-sharing program that allows students to rent cars by the hour or by the day.
- The SCU Bike Share: The SCU Bike Share is a bike share program that allows students to rent bikes by the hour or by the day.
Services offered by the university
- Academic Advising
The Santa Clara University Office of Academic Advising provides students with individual advising, group advising, and workshops on academic planning.
- Career Services
The Santa Clara University Career Services office helps students with resume writing, job search skills, and interviewing techniques. They also have a job board and career fairs.
- Financial Aid
The Santa Clara University Financial Aid office helps students with applying for financial aid, understanding financial aid packages, and managing their finances.
- Student Health Services
The Santa Clara University Student Health Services office provides medical, dental, and mental health services to students. They also have a pharmacy and a counselling centre.
- Housing and Residential Life
The Santa Clara University Housing and Residential Life office provides housing options for students, including traditional residence halls, apartments, and Greek houses. They also offer a variety of programs and activities for residents at Santa Clara University.
- Student Activities
The Santa Clara University Student Activities office coordinates a variety of student activities, including clubs, organizations, intramural sports, and cultural events.
- Athletics
Santa Clara University is a member of the West Coast Conference and competes in Division I athletics. The Broncos are one of the most successful college basketball programs in the West, having won five national championships. Santa Clara University also competes in a variety of other sports, including football, baseball, softball, and volleyball.
Student life at Santa Clara University
- Student population
Santa Clara University has a student population of over 10,000 students. The student body is made up of students from all 50 states and over 80 countries.
- Volunteering
There are many opportunities to volunteer your time at Santa Clara University. Santa Clara University has several service-learning opportunities, and students can also volunteer with local organizations.
- Percentage of international students
About 15% of Santa Clara University students are international students.
- Number of student organizations
Santa Clara University has over 300 student organizations. These organizations represent a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, religious, and social.
- Intramural sports
Santa Clara University offers over 40 intramural sports. These sports are open to all students, regardless of their skill level.
- Greek life
Santa Clara University has over 20 fraternities and sororities. These organizations offer students the opportunity to make lifelong friends, participate in leadership opportunities, and get involved in the community.
- Student government
Santa Clara University has a student government that is made up of students from all over campus. The student government at Santa Clara University is responsible for representing student interests to the university administration.
Faculty
University Faculty:Student Ratio
University Faculty Stats
- Number of faculty members: Santa Clara University has over 1,200 faculty members, making it a large and diverse faculty.
- Faculty diversity: Santa Clara University's faculty is highly diverse, with over 40% of faculty members being women and over 30% of faculty members being members of underrepresented minority groups.
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Santa Clara University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, which means that there are approximately 14 students for every faculty member.
- Professional development opportunities: Santa Clara University offers a wide range of professional development opportunities for faculty members, including workshops, conferences, and online courses.
- Research: Santa Clara University is a research university, and its faculty members are actively engaged in research. Santa Clara University faculty members have published over 5,000 articles in peer-reviewed journals, and they have received over $200 million in research funding.
Career Opportunities
University Endowments Value
Placement of Santa Clara University
According to the Santa Clara University Career Development Center website, the university's six-month post-graduation job placement rate is 90%. This means that 90% of Santa Clara University graduates have a job within six months of graduating.
The top hiring companies for Santa Clara University graduates include:
- Technology: The technology sector is a major employer of Santa Clara University graduates. Technology jobs are available at companies such as Google, Apple, and Facebook.
- Finance: The finance sector is another major employer of Santa Clara University graduates. Finance jobs are available at companies such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and JP Morgan Chase.
- Consulting: The consulting sector is also a major employer of Santa Clara University graduates. Consulting jobs are available at companies such as McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, and BCG.
The average starting salary for Santa Clara University graduates is $70,000. However, salaries vary depending on the field of study and the employer.
Photo Gallery
Popular Courses · 23
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Masters in Accelerated
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated August 14, 2026