Santa Clara University Acceptance Rate 2026: 48%

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Santa Clara University Acceptance Rate 2026

Quick Answer

Santa Clara University has an acceptance rate of 48% for the 2026 admission cycle, making it a selective private institution in California. Tuition is $61,293 per year (the same for both in-state and out-of-state students), with an average net price of $50,062 after financial aid. Graduates earn a median of $109,183 ten years after entry, reflecting strong career outcomes for SCU alumni.

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Acceptance Snapshot

Santa Clara University admitted approximately 48% of applicants in the 2026 admission cycle, as of April 2026. This acceptance rate indicates a selective admissions process, though SCU remains more accessible than many peer institutions on the West Coast. The university enrolls a total student body of 6,552 students, maintaining a relatively intimate campus environment despite its competitive standing.

The 48% acceptance rate reflects Santa Clara’s position as a highly regarded Jesuit institution with strong academics, particularly in engineering, business, and the sciences. Prospective students should understand that meeting the middle 50% test score ranges (detailed below) and maintaining a strong GPA significantly improve admission prospects.

SAT & ACT Scores

Note: Detailed 25th-75th percentile SAT and ACT score ranges for Santa Clara University’s 2026 admission cycle were not included in the available data. Prospective applicants should consult Santa Clara’s official admissions website or contact the admissions office directly for current standardized test score expectations, as these figures are crucial for self-assessment during the application process.

Tuition & Costs

Santa Clara University charges $61,293 in annual tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year. As a private institution, tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students—there is no differential pricing based on residency.

Annual Cost of Attendance (2026):

  • Tuition: $61,293
  • Room & Board: [Data not provided]
  • Books & Supplies: [Data not provided]
  • Average Net Price (after aid): $50,062

The average net price of $50,062 represents what the typical student pays after accounting for grants and scholarships. This figure is significantly lower than the sticker price, illustrating the impact of Santa Clara’s financial aid packages. However, actual costs vary considerably based on individual financial circumstances and merit aid eligibility.

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Financial Aid Overview

Santa Clara University provides substantial financial aid to its student body. The average net price of $50,062 indicates that the university meets demonstrated financial need through a combination of grants, scholarships, and student loans.

Students should note that Santa Clara is committed to making education affordable; the difference between the $61,293 tuition and the $50,062 average net price reflects meaningful grant aid. Prospective students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile to receive a personalized financial aid package. The university’s financial aid office can provide detailed breakdowns by income bracket and explain merit scholarship opportunities.

Graduation Rates

Santa Clara University reports a completion rate of 88.19% (6-year graduation rate), as of April 2026. This strong graduation rate exceeds the national average for four-year institutions and reflects both student commitment and institutional support services. The high completion rate indicates that Santa Clara students successfully navigate their degree programs and graduate within the expected timeframe, a positive sign for prospective students considering long-term success.

Post-Graduation Earnings

Santa Clara University graduates earn a median of $109,183 ten years after entry, according to College Scorecard data as of April 2026. This figure places SCU among institutions with strong post-graduate earning potential, particularly reflecting the success of its engineering and business graduates. The median earnings reflect outcomes across all majors and degree levels, so individual outcomes vary based on field of study, career path, and geographic location.

For context, this earnings figure suggests that Santa Clara’s education delivers meaningful financial return on investment for most graduates, supporting the university’s reputation for producing career-ready professionals.

Note: Specific data on the top 10 majors by degrees awarded and graduate counts for Santa Clara University was not included in the available dataset. Prospective students interested in specific programs should visit Santa Clara’s academic departments pages or contact the admissions office for detailed enrollment statistics by major. Santa Clara is particularly known for its engineering, business (Leavey School of Business), and computer science programs.

Demographics

Note: Detailed enrollment breakdown by race/ethnicity and gender for Santa Clara University was not included in the available data. For comprehensive demographic information, prospective students should consult Santa Clara’s official institutional research office or admissions materials, which provide current enrollment statistics and diversity metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Santa Clara University’s acceptance rate for 2026?

Santa Clara University has an acceptance rate of 48% for the 2026 admission cycle. This means the university admits roughly one out of every two applicants, making it a selective institution. However, acceptance rates vary by academic program, with engineering and computer science programs typically more competitive.

How much does Santa Clara University cost?

Tuition at Santa Clara University is $61,293 per year for 2026-2027. However, the average net price—what students actually pay after financial aid—is $50,062. Room, board, and other expenses will add to this figure, so prospective students should budget accordingly and complete financial aid applications to understand their actual cost.

What are typical test scores for Santa Clara admission?

While specific SAT and ACT score ranges were not available in the provided data, Santa Clara is a selective institution, so competitive applicants typically submit strong standardized test scores. Prospective students should contact Santa Clara’s admissions office or visit their official website for current middle 50% score ranges, which are essential for self-assessment.

What do Santa Clara graduates earn after college?

Santa Clara University graduates earn a median of $109,183 ten years after entry. This strong earnings outcome reflects the quality of education and career preparation at SCU, particularly in high-demand fields like engineering and business. Individual earnings vary significantly based on major, career field, and geographic location.

What is Santa Clara’s graduation rate?

Santa Clara University has a 6-year graduation rate of 88.19%, which exceeds the national average. This high completion rate indicates strong student persistence and institutional support, suggesting that admitted students are likely to graduate successfully and on time.

Is Santa Clara University a good investment?

With a 48% acceptance rate, $61,293 tuition, average net price of $50,062, and median graduate earnings of $109,183 ten years after entry, Santa Clara represents a competitive investment. The strong graduation rate (88.19%) and post-graduate earnings suggest good return on investment, though individual outcomes depend on major, career choices, and financial aid packages received.

How does Santa Clara compare to other California universities?

Santa Clara is a private Jesuit university with distinct advantages in engineering, business, and computer science. For specific comparisons with other California institutions, California Universities Comparison or consult our profiles of peer schools. Santa Clara’s private status means higher sticker price but also typically more generous need-based aid packages than some public alternatives.

Data Sources

The statistics in this article come from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard, with data fetched as of April 11, 2026. Figures include the 2026 admission cycle acceptance rate, 2026-2027 academic year tuition, and 10-year post-graduation earnings data.

Important Note: College admissions data changes annually. Prospective students should verify current acceptance rates, tuition figures, test score expectations, and financial aid information directly with Santa Clara University’s admissions office or official website. This article provides a snapshot of institutional data and should not be the sole basis for application decisions.

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