Santa Clara University

Getting in is the hard part. Santa Clara University admitted 48.0% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 1350–1490 on the SAT and 31–33 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Santa Clara University actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

A Santa Clara education gives you more than a degree, it transforms the way you see the world and your place in it.

The academic structure features an interdisciplinary approach that fosters innovation, while its distinctive mission integrates ethics into fields like business, technology, and healthcare, providing a whole-person education.

• Academic DivisionsCollege of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, Leavey School of Business
• Experiential Learningtheory to practice, community-based coursework, internships, independent researc
• Close Faculty Interaction10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, professors dedicated to teaching and research

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• Testingoptional (2027 cycle)

Verified from scu.edu.

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from scu.edu.

The sticker price is about $82,026, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $50,062.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $109,183.

Verified from scu.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

“Whether you're a Division I athlete or an urban farmer, you'll find your place and expand your horizons, fostering Bronco Spirit and community.”

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the campus offers 300+ days of sunshine per year, with companies like Google, Apple, NVIDIA, and Cisco recruiting heavily from its vibrant community.

Is Santa Clara University test-optional?

For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Santa Clara University is optional.

How hard is it to get into Santa Clara University?

Very hard. Santa Clara University admits 48.0% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1350 to 1490 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.

How much does Santa Clara University cost?

The list price is about $82,026, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $50,062.

Is Santa Clara University worth it?

Graduates earn a median of $109,183 ten years after enrolling, and 88% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.