Santa Clara University
SCU
Santa Clara, California 95053
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Top graduate earnings — known for business
Santa Clara University is a private institution in Santa Clara with particular strength in business and engineering. With an average SAT of 1417, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 6.2K undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
88% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $109,183 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $50,959.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •In January of that year, Saint Junipero Serra, a Spanish Franciscan friar, established Mission Santa Clara as the eighth of 21 Alta California missions.
- •Fray Tomás de la Peña chose a site along the Guadalupe River for the future church, erecting a cross and celebrating the first Mass a few days later.
- •This building suffered heavy damage in an 1818 earthquake and was replaced six years later by a new adobe edifice.
- •1862 The mission flourished for more than 50 years despite these setbacks.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1417
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
76.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.5%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$16,845
Programs (89)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
94%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
46
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CA state average + city premium