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Santa Clara University

7.5(11)
VerifiedPrivate (Not for Profit)Estd. 1851
Founded
1851
Type
Private (Not for Profit)
University Guide

About Santa Clara University

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

Santa Clara University is one of the top 100 private universities in USA. Established in 1851, the university currently houses nearly 10,000 students. This includes 5,895 undergraduate students and 3,023 graduate students. Currently, Santa Clara University's acceptance rate is 53.9%. For the class of 2025, the university received 16,849 applications and admitted only 9,088 of them. Explore: Santa Clara University Graduate Programs 

For admission to Santa Clara University, international students recorded a minimum average GPA of 3.4 to 3.8 (89-94%) on a 4.0 scale. Indian students can estimate an overall percentage equivalent of 89-94% to secure Santa Clara University admissions. The majority of the international students enrolled, had an average IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 79.

85% of the graduates of Santa Clara University are currently employed. The top recruiters at Santa Clara University are Microsoft, Oracle, Linkedin, Facebook, Apple, Google, Cisco, Amazon and others. Santa Clara University graduates earn an average salary of 61,000 USD per annumCheck: Santa Clara University Student Profiles

Table of Contents

  1. SCU Rankings
  2. SCU Acceptance Rate
  3. SCU Courses
  4. SCU Campus
  5. Accommodation
  6. SCU Admission
  7. SCU Attendance Cost
  8. SCU Scholarship
  9. SCU Alumni
  10. SCU Placement
  11. FAQs

Santa Clara University Rankings

Santa Clara University is ranked among the top 100 US universities according to various ranking agencies. Some of the top rankings of the university are as follows:  

  • #55 in National Universities, 2022 by U.S. News and World Report
  • #37 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, 2022 by U.S. News and World Report
  • #114 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, 2022 by U.S. News and World Report
  • #74 US College Rankings 2022 by Times Higher Education

Santa Clara University Acceptance Rate

Santa Clara University acceptance rate is 53.9% for the class of 2025. The university has admitted 9,088 students out of 16,849 applicants for the class of 2025. For the class of 2024, the university received 16465 applications. Out of them, only 7,936 students were accepted indicating an acceptance rate of 48.2%. The enrollment details by school are provided below:

School Student Percentage
College of Arts and Sciences 46%
Leavey School of Business 33%
School of Engineering 21%

Santa Clara University Courses

Currently, international students can choose from 50 major and minor programs at Santa Clara University through its 5 colleges, namely: Leavey School of Business, School of Engineering, School of Education Counseling and Psychology, School of Law, and College of Arts and Sciences. The top 5 most popular majors of interest at Santa Clara University are, Management, Computer Science and Engineering, Finance, Biology, Mechanical Engineering. Some of the top programs at Santa Clara University are as follows: 

Santa Clara University Top Programs

Programs Total Annual Fees
Master of Science [M.S], Engineering Management and Leadership ₹ 2906148
Executive Master of Business Administration [E.M.B.A] ₹ 3522452
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Management information systems ₹ 4892600
Master of Science [M.S], Power Systems and Sustainable Energy ₹ 1818848
Bachelor of Science [B.S], Computer Science and Engineering ₹ 4892600
Master of Science [M.S], Electrical Engineering ₹ 2906148
Master of Science [M.S], Computer Science and Engineering ₹ 2906148
Master of Science [M.S], Civil Engineering ₹ 2906148
Master of Science [M.S], Bioengineering ₹ 2906148
Master of Science [M.S], Applied Mathematics ₹ 2906148
Master of Science [M.S], Information Systems ₹ 2906148
Master of Business Administration [M.B.A], Food and Agribusiness ₹ 3522452
Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] ₹ 3522452
Master of Science [M.S], Financial Analytics ₹ 3522452
Master of Science [M.Sc], Business Analytics ₹ 3522452

Santa Clara University Campus

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara University boasts cutting edge campus facilities. The Mission Church is the heart and soul of campus. For increasing student involvement, the university has about 150 student organizations.

  • The Malley Fitness and Recreation Center and the Sullivan Aquatic Center help students remain in shape.
  • Malley is a state-of-the-art 45,000-square-foot facility with workout equipment, a weight room, and a wellness center.
  • Fitness courses such as kickboxing and yoga are available to students. A 50-meter-long Olympic-size pool is available at a nearby aquatic center. 

Santa Clara University Accommodation

Santa Clara University provides affordable on-campus housing to its students. 95% of First-Year Students live on-campus. The majority of sophomores live in RLCs (Residential Learning Communities) housed in eight campus residence halls.

The accommodation charges at Santa Clara University are as follows:

Accommodation Type Annual Cost (in INR)
Standard Double with the Basic resident dining plan 13.09 lakhs
Standard Double with Junior/Senior resident dining plan, 11.6 lakhs
University Villas Regular Single with a Basic resident dining plan 14.05 lakhs
University Villas Regular Single with Junior/Senior resident dining plan 12.56 lakhs

Santa Clara University Admission Process

Santa Clara University offers admission in the terms of fall and winter. Students can apply for admission through Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision. International students applying to Santa Clara University can abide by the below-mentioned information.
Application Portal: Common Application
Application Fees: 70 USD (5,545 INR)
Undergraduate Admission Requirements:

  • Official high-school transcripts
  • Secondary school report
  • Teacher evaluation
  • Mid-year report (if available)
  • SCU Financial resource statement
  • Interview (Optional)
  • English proficiency requirements
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • TOEFL iBT: 90
    • TOEFL PBT: 575
    • Duolingo: 115

Graduate Admission Requirements:

  • Official transcripts
  • Financial proof
  • 2-3 LOR
  • Copy of passport
  • Current resume
  • SOP
  • Additional program-specific requirements

The average high-school GPA in various departments at Santa Clara University are as follows:

Discipline Minimum GPA Required Percentage Equivalent
Arts and Sciences 3.46-3.84 89-93%
School of Engineering 3.6-3.91 90-94%
School of Business 3.58-3.87 90-93%

Santa Clara University Cost of Attendance

The average annual cost of attendance for international students attending Santa Clara University has been tabulated below.

Details Annual Rates (INR)
Tuition 41.74 lakhs
University Enhancement Fee 48 thousand 
Room and Board     12.49 lakhs
Books and Supplies 85 thousand
Transportation 25 thousand

The annual cost of attendance for a UG student at SCU is estimated to be 57.7 lakhs INR. Please note that this figure is a very rough estimate. These expenses vary according to the program opted for, accommodation chosen, and lifestyle. Hence estimating your budget is very important before you choose housing, meal plans, etc.

Santa Clara University Scholarships

Santa Clara University does not award merit-based scholarships to international students. However, there are other scholarships by private agencies. Some of them have been tabulated below.

Scholarship Name Scholarship Amounts
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships $100,000 ~7,386,750 INR
Debesh Kamal Scholarship Tuition fees of INR 1 lakh
National Overseas Scholarship Visa, air travel, health insurance, tuition fees covered

Apart from these options, you can also try for US education loans to support your education at Santa Clara University.

Santa Clara University Alumni

The following are some of the university's notable alumni:

  • Andy Ackerman - Renowned director
  • Benjamin F. Cruz J.D. - Speaker of the 34th Guam Legislature, Public Auditor of Guam
  • Everett Alvarez - Former Officer, United States Navy
  • Bob Miller - Former Governor, Nevada
  • Dennis Awtrey - Former Professional Basketball Player

Santa Clara University Placements

Santa Clara University Career Influencers Network is a coordinated group of over 100 faculty and staff members. This group is dedicated to assisting SCU students in their career development and success. The SCU Career Center offers specialized services such as professional profile marketing, skill and experience development, and job internship search.

Recently, Handshake, a new and user-friendly career development platform, has partnered with Santa Clara University to help with student placements. As per latest reports, the top recruiters at Santa Clara University are Microsoft, Oracle, Linkedin, Facebook, Apple, Google, Cisco, Amazon, etc.

Also Explore: Jobs in USA

For those who wish to study in Santa Clara University in the US, one can be ensured that the institute offers rigorous academic experience and a global approach. With several programs, the college ensures that a vast horizon of opportunities is always open for the aspirants of SCU.

FAQs

Ques. Is it difficult to get into Santa Clara University?

Ans. Admission to Santa Clara University is moderately competitive. SCU has an acceptance rate of 53.9% indicating neither strict nor easy admission probability.

Ques. Are the Santa Clara University's STEM programs accredited?

Ans. All the MS programs, as well as MBA with a concentration in Data Science and Business Analytics, are STEM-designated degrees, and graduating students MAY be eligible for the STEM OPT extension depending on their circumstances. The length of the program is determined by whether or not students have used any OPT time prior to enrolling in our program.

Ques. Is there a scholarship program at Santa Clara University?

Ans. Merit-based scholarships or financial aid is not available for international students of Santa Clara University.

Ques. What is the acceptance rate at Santa Clara University?

Ans. The current Santa Clara University acceptance rate is 53.9%. SCU has accepted 9,088 students out of 16,849 applicants for the class of 2025.

Ques. What GPA do you need to get into Santa Clara University?

Ans. For admissions to Santa Clara University would need a minimum GPA of 3.66, which is A grade with 86-90%.

Ques. What is the male-to-female student ratio at Santa Clara University?

Ans. Currently, 24 percent of our students are female, which is significantly higher than the national average. One reason for this is our national ranking in terms of the proportion of female faculty members (approximately 33 percent; 3rd highest in the U.S.).

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

45

Fee from

₹19,91,884.62

Exams

IELTS · Duolingo

Showing 5 of 28 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 58.8 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 62,760 /Yr
Living Expense₹983396
Estimated Total₹1806497
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

Santa Clara University admissions are offered in the terms of Fall and Winter. In Fall 2021, around 17,761 freshmen applied for Santa Clara University admissions. Out of this, 9,709 got enrolled to Santa Clara University and 1,784 enrolled. The university boasts an acceptance rate of 55% (Fall 2021). This reflects a 4% increase in acceptance rate in comparison to 51% in 2020.

  • Enrollments: Santa Clara University is home to more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world. The university houses over 3,000 international students hailing from over 31 countries. Check: Reviews Santa Clara University Student Reviews
  • Admission Deadlines: Santa Clara University admissions are open for Fall, Summer, and Spring sessions. The upcoming deadline marked for admission is Early decision and regular decision for January 7. 
  • Application Process: Students planning to secure admission to one of the 140 programs at Santa Clara University are required to submit an online application with a fee of 60 USD.
  • Admission Requirements: International students need a cumulative GPA of 3.4 to 3.8 (90-93%) on a 4.0 scale for admission to SCU. Students need a TOEFL score of 90 or equivalent for admission to the undergraduate programs at SCU. For graduate programs, the minimum TOEFL score requirement varies from 79 to 100.
  • Acceptance Rate: Santa Clara University'sacceptance rate is 48.2% students due to which the university follows a competitive admission process. 
  • Programs: Santa Clara University offers 3 undergraduate degrees across arts, science, and commerce. The university offers more than 50 graduate programs in law, business, engineering, counseling psychology and other disciplines. Also Check: Santa Clara University Graduate Programs

Santa Clara University Admission Deadlines

The application deadlines at Santa Clara University The admission deadlines for the undergraduate programs at Santa Clara University are tabulated below:

Semester  Deadline 
Early Decision I November 1
Early Decision II January 7
Winter First-Year October 1 
Early Action November 1
Regular Decision January 7

Santa Clara University Graduate Admission Deadlines

Program Application Deadline
M.Sc Business Analytics Application Deadline For Fall 2023 Intake[1 May, 2023]
M.S Financial Analytics Fall Application Deadline[1 May, 2022]
L.L.M United States Law Application Deadline For Fall 2023 Intake[1 May, 2023]
Application Deadline For Spring 2024 Intake[1 Nov, 2023]
M.B.A Spring Entry Application Deadline[20 Jan, 2022]
Fall Round 1 Application Deadline[1 Apr, 2022]
Fall Round 2 Application Deadline[1 Jun, 2022]
M.S Information Systems Fall Application Deadline[1 May, 2023]
M.S Bioengineering Application Deadline For Spring 2024 Intake[1 Jan, 2024]
Application Deadline For Summer 2024 Intake[1 Mar, 2024]
Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake[1 Jun, 2024]
M.S Applied Mathematics Application Deadline[1 Jun, 2024]
M.S Computer Science and Engineering Spring Entry Application Deadline[7 Jan, 2022]
M.S Civil Engineering Application Deadline For Spring 2024 Intake[1 Jan, 2024]
Application Deadline For Summer 2024 Intake[1 Mar, 2024]
Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake[1 Jun, 2024]
M.S Mechanical Engineering Spring Entry Application Deadline[7 Jan, 2022]
M.S Electrical Engineering Spring Entry Application Deadline[7 Jan, 2023]
Fall Application Deadline[7 Jun, 2023]
E.M.B.A Scholarship application Deadline for Fall Intake[1 Apr, 2023]
Final Application Deadline[1 Jun, 2023]
M.S Engineering Management and Leadership Spring Entry Application Deadline[7 Jan, 2023]
M.S Power Systems and Sustainable Energy Application Deadline[1 Jun, 2024]

Santa Clara University Undergraduate Admissions

International students can choose from various undergraduate courses at Santa Clara University. The university witnessed consecutive increases in applications and acceptance rate each year. The international aspirants are supposed to mail transcripts directly from the institution to the university within the mentioned deadline only.
Application Portal: Common Application
Application Fee: 70 USD (5,550 INR)
Undergraduate Admission Requirements:

  • Official high school transcripts (from grade nine to recently completed term)
  • GPA of 3.4 to 3.8 (90-93%) on a 4.0 scale
  • One academic teacher evaluation
  • Secondary school report form 
  • Mid-year report (due at the end of January)
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • SCU Financial Resource Statement 

Supplemental Requirements:

International students can give an optional interview. Though not compulsory, it gives them a chance to exhibit their interests, language skills, and professionalism. These interviews do not happen off-campus or in person. Interested students can apply through InitialView, Duolingo, and Vericant. 

Santa Clara University Graduate Admissions

The international students can pursue a degree from one of SCU’s graduate programs. The application process is different for each program. The graduate schools at the university include the School of Education and Counseling Psychology, School of Engineering, School of Law, etc.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) waivers are available for some qualified candidates. The students are suggested to contact the MBA Admissions Office to avail the waiver. Beneath is the standard academic requirement for graduate programs offered by the university.

Application Portal: Common Application
Application Fee: 70 USD (5,550 INR)
Admission Requirements: The applicants need to submit the below-mentioned documents at the time of admission:

  • Official college transcripts (if not in English, then with translations)
  • SCU Financial Resource Statement 
  • GMAT/GRE scores (Average GMAT score: 650, average GRE score: 306-309)
  • Personal statement
  • 2 LORs
  • Resume/CV
  • Proof of English proficiency

Santa Clara University Engineering Admissions

Students seeking admissions to graduate engineering programs must complete the online application with an application fee of 90 USD (~7,136 INR). 

Engineering Admission Requirements: 

  • Completed application
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • One transcript from each institution 
  • GRE scores (Average GRE score: 309)
  • English proficiency scores
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • Duolingo: 110 
    • TOEFL iBT: 79-80
    • Engineering Application Deadline: The deadline for Winter Quarter 2023 is September 30, 2022. For the Spring Quarter of 2023, the deadlines are February 10, 2023. 

Santa Clara University MBA Admissions

Santa Clara University ranks 13th for Executive MBA and 19th nationwide for Part-Time MBA Program. SCU MBA intakes are due for Fall, Winter, and Spring semesters. STEM focus relies on DSBA MBA concentration and all MS programs.

MBA Admission Requirements: 

  • Academic records
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.3 (86-89%) on a 4.0 scale or above
  • Resume/CV 
  • Personal statement 
  • 3 business essays 
  • GMAT/GRE scores (Average GMAT score: 620, average GRE score: 306) 
  • English language proficiency scores 
    • TOEFL: 100
    • IELTS: 7.0
    • Duolingo: 120
  • 2 LOR
  • Professional work experience 
  • Personal admissions interview

Students can use SPANTRAN for equivalency evaluation. The deadlines for the Evening and Executive MBA are June 21st; and MSIS, MSBA, and MSFA are May 20th.

English Proficiency Requirements

All the international students must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language for admission to Santa Clara. Scores of TOEFL or IELTS need to be uploaded while applying at the university. Test scores should be sent to SCU directly from the testing agency. The scores should be not more than two years old. 

The following scores can be used to display English language proficiency for undergraduate programs:

Test Minimum Scores Required
IELTS 6.5 
TOEFL -iBT 90
TOEFL-PBT 575
Duolingo English Test 115

Students pursuing the graduate programs at SCU can submit the following English proficiency test scores:

Graduate Program TOEFL iBT Duolingo English test IELTS 
Business 100 120 7
Engineering 80 105 6.5 
Education and Counseling Psychology 90 110 6.5
Theology 79 105 6.5
Arts & Sciences - Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries 90

-

6.5 
Law- JD  90

-

6.5
Law- LLM  90

-

6.5 
Researcher/ Scholars 80 110 6.5 

US Visa Application Process

The international applicants planning to pursue a course at a US-based university need to apply for a US student visa once their application has been accepted by the university.

To get an F-1 visa, international students need to complete the following steps.

  • Valid passport
  • Complete an Immigration and Financial Declaration Form
  • Schedule an F-1 Student Visa appointment
  • Get your visa interview
  • Pay your I-901 SEVIS Fee
  • Apply for your F-1 Visa Stamp
  • Enter the United States
  • Arrive at Santa Clara University
  • Attend ISW and complete Immigration Check-in

All international students must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before visa issuance or Change of Status application.

Santa Clara University Admission Decision

Santa Clara University will confirm the application receipt by sending an email notification to the applicants. Students can check the status of their application by using the unique ID and password shared through email. The university takes up to 2-4 weeks to complete the admission process.

The Graduate School of Engineering at Santa Clara University now accepts applications for graduate programs. SCU Engineering has one of the best graduate programs across the country because it has a team of highly dedicated professors, and gives the flexibility to get a degree while working as well.

FAQs

Ques. How can I check application status at Santa Clara University?

Ans. For graduate admissions, international students can use the ecampus ID# and password provided at the time of applying.

Ques. Do Santa Clara University offer financial aid?

Ans. International students are not eligible for federally funded financial aid support like loans, grants, etc at Santa Clara University.

Ques. How my admission will be confirmed at Santa Clara University?

Ans. Santa Clara University will confirm receipt of the application by sending a notification to the email address of the applicants. All applicants will also be provided a unique ID and password through which they can check their application status on their application status portal.

Ques. Should international students request I-20s and will they be able to apply for a visa for the fall quarter?

Ans. International Students and Scholars (ISS) issues immigration documents (I-20s) to the students who will join SCU in fall 2020. Make sure that you request your I-20 at the earliest but no later than the July 1 deadline.

Placements & Recruiters

Santa Clara University Placement Details

Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Santa Clara, California, United States.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2021

Highlights
2021
  • Best overall country rank: #231
  • Economics: #36 in country
  • Top source: ARWU
  • 4 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Law, Economics
  • 2 ranking records in 2021

2022

Highlights
2022
  • Best overall country rank: #228
  • Overall: #228 in country
  • Top source: CWUR
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall
  • 1 ranking record in 2022

2023

Highlights
2023
  • Law: #54 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 1 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Law
  • 1 ranking record in 2023

2024

Highlights
2024
  • Best overall country rank: #30
  • Overall: #30 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 3 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Law
  • 1 ranking record in 2024

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Best overall country rank: #217
  • Computer Science: #30 in country
  • Top source: US News
  • 5 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Engineering, Law
  • 2 ranking records in 2025

Contact Information

500 El Camino Real

408-554-4000

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

7.5/10
Top Rated

Based on 11 ratings

Rating Breakdown

Visual summary of rating distribution and categories

Live Summary
Academic
8.2/10
Faculty
8.5/10
Infrastructure
9.0/10
Accommodation
8.3/10
Placement
7.2/10
Extracurricular
8.8/10