Santa Clara University: Acceptance Rate, Courses, Fees, Scholarships & More
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Santa Clara University (SCU) is one of the most prestigious private Jesuit institutions in the U.S., offering students a blend of top-tier academics, strong industry connections, and a vibrant campus life. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, SCU provides immense opportunities for students aspiring to excel in technology, business, engineering, and liberal arts. With an acceptance rate of 44%, the university maintains a moderately selective admission process, ensuring that students who enroll are academically talented and driven.
For students considering Santa Clara University, this comprehensive guide will cover everything—from acceptance rates and rankings to courses, tuition fees, scholarships, and accommodation options. Whether you’re a prospective undergraduate, graduate student, or transfer applicant, this blog will give you a clear picture of what to expect from SCU in 2025.
Santa Clara University Highlights 2025
| Highlight | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 1851 |
| Campus Size | 106 acres |
| QS World University Ranking (2025) | 101-150 (by Subject) |
| Campus Locations | Santa Clara, California |
| Placement Rate | 77% within six months post-graduation |
| Top Recruiters | Amazon, Microsoft, Google |
| Popular Courses for International Students | Finance, Psychology, Mathematics |
| English Language Exam Required | TOEFL or IELTS |
| Acceptance Rate | 52% |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | INR 49.14 L – 53.37 L |
| Website | SCU Official Website |
Santa Clara University: Courses, Eligibility, and Fees 2025
Santa Clara University (SCU) offers a world-class education in one of the most innovative regions of the world—Silicon Valley. With a strong reputation in business, engineering, and law, SCU consistently ranks among the top 15% of universities in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). For international students, Santa Clara University provides a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, ranging from STEM fields to business, law, and the arts.
The tuition fees vary based on the program, and students must meet specific eligibility requirements, including English language proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, and PTE. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Santa Clara University courses, fees, eligibility, and admission criteria for 2025:
| Course | 1st Year Tuition Fees (USD) | Duration | Eligibility Criteria | English Language Exams Accepted |
| Master of Science (MS) | $22,800 – $55,200 | 10 months – 2 years | Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, GRE may be required | IELTS: 6.5 – 7, TOEFL: 79 – 100 |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA/PGDM) | $22,800 – $55,200 | 10 months – 2 years | Bachelor’s degree, work experience preferred | IELTS: 6.5 – 7, TOEFL: 90 – 100, Duolingo: 110 – 120 |
| Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) | $61,000 | 4 years | High school diploma with strong academic record | TOEFL: 90 & Above |
| Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) | $61,000 | 4 years | High school diploma with science background | TOEFL: 90 & Above |
| Bachelor of Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech) | $60,000 – $65,000 | 4 years | High school diploma with mathematics & science subjects | TOEFL: 79 – 90, IELTS: 6.5 & Above, Duolingo: 110 & Above, PTE: 61 & Above |
| Master of Arts (M.A.) | $16,800 – $36,000 | 12 months – 3 years | Bachelor’s degree in related field | IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 – 90, Duolingo: 110 & Above |
| Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | $61,000 – $65,000 | 4 years | High school diploma with a strong academic background | TOEFL: 90 & Above, IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 61 & Above |
| Executive MBA/PGDM | $72,800 | 20 months | Bachelor’s degree, minimum 5 years of work experience | GMAT, GRE, IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, Duolingo: 120 & Above |
| Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) | $61,000 | 4 years | High school diploma | TOEFL: 90 & Above |
| Master of Laws (LL.M.) | $40,000 | 1 – 2 years | Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B. or equivalent) | IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 90 & Above |
Santa Clara University Rankings 2025
Santa Clara University (SCU) is recognized as one of the top private Jesuit universities in the U.S., offering world-class education and strong career opportunities. With consistent high rankings in national and global university reports, SCU stands out for its quality education, graduate employability, and student experience.
The university has received prestigious recognitions from U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, QS World Rankings, and Princeton Review. Let’s take a detailed look at Santa Clara University’s 2025 rankings across different ranking platforms:
| Ranking Body | Category | SCU 2025 Ranking |
| U.S. News & World Report | Best National Universities | #63 (Tied) |
| Best Undergraduate Teaching | #17 (Tied) | |
| Best Undergraduate Business Programs | #65 (Tied) | |
| Entrepreneurship | #18 (Tied) | |
| Finance | #19 (Tied) | |
| Management Information Systems | #20 (Tied) | |
| Accounting | #56 (Tied) | |
| Forbes | Top Colleges in the U.S. | #95 |
| Top Private Colleges | #54 | |
| Research Universities | #71 | |
| Best Colleges in the West | #22 | |
| Colleges with Highest Earning Graduates | #12 | |
| The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education | Best Overall Universities | #74 |
| QS World University Rankings by Subject | Business & Management | #101-150 |
| National Universities (out of 436) | Best National Universities | #63 |
Santa Clara University Acceptance Rate 2025
Santa Clara University (SCU) is a moderately selective institution with an acceptance rate of 44%. As a highly regarded private Jesuit university in Silicon Valley, SCU attracts thousands of applicants each year. With strong academic programs in Business, Engineering, and Arts & Sciences, the university is a top choice for students looking to build a successful career in tech, business, and research.
The Class of 2028 saw nearly 18,964 applications, out of which approximately 9,105 students were admitted. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, Santa Clara ensures personalized learning and strong career prospects for its students. Now, let’s take a closer look at Santa Clara University’s acceptance rate and admission statistics:
| Category | Details |
| Acceptance Rate | 44% |
| Location | Santa Clara, California |
| University Type | Private Jesuit University |
| Total Applicants | 18,964 (Class of 2028) |
| Admitted Students | 9,105 |
| Undergraduate Programs | College of Arts & Sciences, College of Engineering, Leavey School of Business |
| Graduate Programs | Various Master’s and Ph.D. courses |
| National Ranking | Ranked #63 among National Universities (U.S. News & World Report 2025) |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 11:1 |
| Average GPA of Admitted Students | 3.73 (Unweighted) |
Santa Clara University Scholarships 2025
Santa Clara University (SCU) offers generous scholarships and financial aid programs to support students in their academic journey. These awards are available based on merit, financial need, leadership, and community service. Whether you are a first-year undergraduate, transfer student, or an aspiring graduate, SCU provides various scholarships that can significantly lower the cost of attendance.
Furthermore, Merit-based scholarships are automatically considered during admission – No separate application required. Transfer students are eligible for special scholarships when applying from select community colleges. Now, let’s explore Santa Clara University scholarships, eligibility criteria, and award details:
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Eligibility Criteria | Renewability |
| Presidential at Entry Scholarship | Full Tuition | Exceptional academic performance & leadership | Renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters |
| Provost Scholarship | Half Tuition | Strong leadership experience in school/community | Renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters |
| Dean’s Scholarship | Varies | High academic achievement, available for Arts & Sciences, Business, and Engineering students | Renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters |
| Johnson Scholars Award | Full tuition + Standard Room & Board + Books | Outstanding leadership & academic performance | Renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters |
| SCU Transfer Scholarship | $5,000 – $10,000 per year | Minimum 3.3 GPA, 30 transferable semester units, must apply through the Transfer Admission Agreement (TAA) | Renewable for up to 3 years (excluding summer) |
| Community-Based Organization (CBO) Matching Scholarship | Up to $5,000 per year | Awarded to students receiving scholarships from Bay Area community-based organizations (501c3) | Renewable for up to 3 years |
| Horatio Alger Association Scholarship | Varies | High school senior with a minimum 3.4 GPA | Funded by the Schott Family Scholarship Program |
| Army ROTC Scholarship | Partial or Full Tuition | Enrolled in Santa Clara’s ROTC program | May include on-campus housing assistance |
| College of Arts & Sciences Scholarships | Varies | Based on major (Art, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, etc.) | Visit SCU department websites for more details |
| Leavey School of Business Scholarships | Varies | Awarded to Business students with strong academic performance | Includes Accounting, Finance, and Marketing scholarships |
Santa Clara University Accommodation 2025
Santa Clara University (SCU) offers diverse housing options for students, ensuring a comfortable and engaging campus experience. Living on campus provides students with easy access to academic resources, peer support, and various student life activities. Whether you are a first-year student, a sophomore, or an upperclassman, SCU has designed a variety of Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) and apartment-style living options to match different student needs.
The 2025-2026 housing options include traditional residence halls, suites, townhouses, and university-managed apartments. The cost of accommodation varies depending on the type of residence and meal plan selection. Below is a breakdown of Santa Clara University off campus housing and dining costs:
| Accommodation Type | Room Rate ($) | Meal Plan ($) | Total Annual Cost ($) |
| Standard Double Room | 13,806 | 7,401 | 21,207 |
| Mini-Suite Double | 13,806 | 7,401 | 21,207 |
| Suite Single | 15,561 | 7,401 | 22,962 |
| Apartment Single | 16,590 | 7,401 | 23,991 |
Conclusion
Santa Clara University stands out as a premier institution that offers high academic standards, excellent job placements, and a strong community-focused environment. The university’s close proximity to major tech giants like Google, Apple, and Tesla gives students unmatched internship and career opportunities, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enter competitive industries.
Additionally, SCU provides generous merit-based scholarships, comfortable on-campus accommodation, and a thriving student life that fosters both academic and personal growth. Start planning early, explore SCU’s diverse programs, and take the next step toward an exciting and rewarding academic journey in 2025!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Clara University a prestigious school?
Yes, Santa Clara University is ranked #63 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report (2025) and consistently ranks among the top private Jesuit universities in the U.S.
What is the Santa Clara University acceptance rate in 2025?
Santa Clara University has a moderately selective acceptance rate of 44% for the Class of 2028.
What GPA do you need to get into Santa Clara University?
The average unweighted GPA of admitted students at Santa Clara University is 3.73. Competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Does Santa Clara University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
SCU has a test-optional policy. While SAT/ACT scores are not required, 41% of admitted students submit standardized test scores.
Does Santa Clara University provide on-campus housing?
Yes, SCU offers Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) for first-year and sophomore students, as well as apartment-style housing for upperclassmen.
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