Feb

2025

Spotting Scams This Tax Season: The IRS Doesn’t Text People

By Keith Wagstaff | | Comments Off

It’s relentless. The deluge of sketchy texts and emails about undeliverable packages, unpaid tolls, or suspicious activity on our bank accounts is enough to make anyone bonkers, even when you can spot the scam from a mile away. And now it’s tax season, and scammers are on the prowl to steal our hard-earned cash by impersonating the IRS.

Imposter scams are the most prevalent type of fraud, with about one in five people losing money to them, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

The most popular schemes — where the fraudsters impersonate some type of business or government agency — have become far more common since the pandemic turbocharged life online.

In fact, Americans lost over $1.2 billion to these kinds of scams in the first nine months of 2024, more than three times as much as they did in all of 2020, the latest FTC data shows. The typical loss was $500 to $1,000, and no demographic was safe. Younger Americans actually reported losing money more often than seniors.

So why are scammers so effective? For one, they know when to strike, using major events to make their scams seem legitimate. As wildfires devastated Los Angeles, criminals tried to exploit people looking to donate to relief funds. After congestion pricing came to New York City, people started seeing fake texts about unpaid tolls. And excited Philadelphia Eagles fans are expected to be inundated by offers of bogus Super Bowl tickets.

Secondly, the digital age is giving criminals an increasingly advanced arsenal of weapons to try to steal your personal information. (You’ve heard of phishing, but how about smishing, and vishing?)

So what? Tax season is a prime time for scams. Consumers are eager for refunds and scared of fines, making ideal targets. The National Taxpayer Advocate, an independent inspector within the IRS, named tax-related scams as one of the agency’s most serious problems, citing progressively sophisticated use of artificial intelligence and social media.

Here’s the thing about the IRS: They always communicate through the mail — never by email or text.

And when you get texts or emails from anyone, whether they’re purporting to be a government agency, bank or other business, remember:

• Never click on links or open attachments.

• Beware of urgent language meant to scare you.

• Don’t share personal information such as passwords or Social Security numbers.

• Reject any requests to send money directly.

You might even want to test your antenna by taking this quiz from the American Bankers Association. (Can you choose which examples are legit? It’s harder than you’d think.)

Dear SoFi, I overspent over the holidays. How can I recover?

By Brian Walsh | | Comments Off

Dear SoFi, I overspent during the holidays and it has knocked me off track. How can I get myself back on course?

Overspending during the holidays is a problem just about everyone faces somewhere along the line. So let’s cover an important point first: don’t beat yourself up about it.

Between inflation, the convenience of options like buy-now-pay-later, and flashy Instagram ads, it’s a wonder any of us makes it out under budget. (On average, consumers planned to spend about $1,640 during the 2024 holidays, 7% more than in 2023, according to a PwC survey.)

But like many people kicking off the year with a post-holiday diet, you can make a plan to get out of debt and get your budget back on track, too. (Don’t worry, you can still eat cheesecake while on a financial diet.)

Here are some basic steps to get you on the right path:

1. First off, stop spending with credit cards. It’s a lot easier to dig yourself out of a hole if no one’s throwing dirt back in your way. If you can pay for your basic living expenses without your credit cards, put them away. Once you’ve paid your balances off and have enough saved to cover at least a full month’s worth of expenses, you can start using them again.

2. Review your expenses. Check your past credit card statements and your monthly budget for things you can live without. (If you don’t have a budget, don’t worry — it’s easy to make one or you can use a budgeting app, like SoFi’s Relay.) Look for stuff to cut out, especially if it’s been a hot minute since you reviewed your spending and you’re still paying for subscriptions or other things you no longer use. Takeout, Uber rides, going out with friends, and clothing would also fall into this “can live without” category.

3. Look for ways to make extra cash. If there’s not a lot of fat to trim from your budget, you may be able to turbo-charge your way out of debt by increasing your income. Temporary boosts like selling items you no longer use or doing a short-term side hustle can help.

4. Create a debt payoff plan. Use your budget to estimate how long it’ll take you to pay off your credit cards. If it’ll take you a few months, pay one off at a time, working on the card with the lowest balance first so you can feel good about your progress. (Of course, make at least your minimum payment on all your balances every month.) But if it will take nine to 12 months or more, you might want to think about consolidating your debt with a personal loan or margin loan.

5. Hit reset on your finances. History often repeats itself, as the old saying goes. So think about ways you can prevent overspending during the next holiday season. Can you set up a special holiday savings fund? Are there overspending triggers (like certain friends or those TikTok fashion hauls) you should avoid? Would a different budget style work better for you?

It can be challenging to keep your spending in check, and it’s easy to feel discouraged. Here’s one last tip that may actually be the most helpful: Try to reframe how you think about this setback. It’s not a failure, as much as it is an opportunity to learn how to adapt.

If you flawlessly followed your budget each month, you wouldn’t learn how to roll with the punches when you have financial setbacks. And that’s just as important a skill.

In financial health,

Brian Walsh
PhD, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
SoFi Head of Advice & Planning

Image credit: Bernie Pesko/SoFi

Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

OTM2025020301

Jan

2025

Dartmouth College Tuition and Fees

By Wesley Yu | Uncategorized | Comments Off

Dartmouth College Tuition and Fees

Total Cost of Attendance

Dartmouth College, an Ivy League university in Hanover, New Hampshire, is known for its small class sizes and expansive research centers and learning institutes in engineering, business, medicine, and the arts.

Dartmouth tuition for the 2023-24 academic year was $65,739. This is significantly higher than the average tuition and fees of $43,350 at private U.S. institutions.

Costs 2023-24
Tuition & Fees	$65,739
Books & Supplies	$1,005
Room & Board	$19,009
Other Expenses	$2,040
Total Cost of Attendance	$87,793

Financial Aid

At Dartmouth, 59% of students use one or more forms of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, or a combination of these to help with the Dartmouth cost. This includes Pell Grants, which are federal funding awarded to students who have exceptional financial need. At Dartmouth, 15% of students received Pell Grants.

Dartmouth is “need-blind,” which means that whether you have the money to pay for your education won’t impact your chances of admission to the college.

Explore financial aid options: New Hampshire Student Loan & Scholarships.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

• Scholarships: TThese can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

• Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and nonprofit organizations.

• Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

• Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

• US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

• College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Private Student Loans

To help pay for Dartmouth tuition, 59% of students take out student loans. Federal student loans are taken out by 12% of students, while 37% get private student loans. Those private loans average $5,447 per student, per academic year.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The Dartmouth cost for four years, including tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other expenses, would be $351,172, based on 2023-24 numbers. This is significantly higher than the national average of $241,680 for four years at private universities.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Costs 2023-24
Tuition & Fees	$65,739
Books & Supplies	$1,005
Total Cost of Attendance	$66,744

The combined cost of Dartmouth tuition and fees plus books and supplies totaled $66,744 in 2023-24. The cost is the same for students from New Hampshire and those who live out of state.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2023-24
Tuition	$63,684
Fees	$384
Total	$64,068

To attend graduate school at Dartmouth College, the cost of tuition and fees totaled $64,068 for students in 2023-24. This is much higher than the national average for one year at a private institution of $15,100.

There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

Campus Housing Expenses

Student Type	On-Campus	Off-Campus
Room & Board	$19,009	$2,025/mo*
Other Expenses	$2,040	$2,040

*Average rate based on available one-bedroom apartments in 2025.

First-year Dartmouth students are required to live on campus. In fact, 90% of all undergrads live on campus in the university’s many residence halls, co-ed halls, Greek houses, society houses, and affinity houses.

Those upperclass students who choose to live off-campus have many housing options near the school.

Dartmouth College Acceptance Rate

Fall 2023
Number of applications	28,841
Number accepted	1,730
Percentage Accepted	6%

As an Ivy League institution, Dartmouth is very competitive when it comes to admissions. The Dartmouth acceptance rate is just 6%. To put that rate in perspective, it means that in the fall of 2023, only 1,730 students were accepted to the school out of the 28,841 who applied.

Admission Requirements

Thinking about submitting an application to Dartmouth? These are the required materials for students applying to Dartmouth, as well as some recommendations to consider.

Required:

• High school transcript

• Writing supplement

• Letters of recommendation

Optional:

• SAT or ACT scores

• Peer recommendation

• Alumni interview for those who are offered one

The deadline for Dartmouth Early Decision is November 1. The deadline for Regular Decision is January 2.

SAT and ACT Scores

Although these standardized tests are optional at Dartmouth, it can be helpful to see the test scores of students in previous years. Here are the SAT and ACT scores that students submitted in the fall of 2023 at the 25th and 75th percentile.

Subject	25th Percentile	75th Percentile
SAT Evidence-Based Reading/Writing	740	780
SAT Math	760	790
ACT Composite	33	35
ACT English	35	36
ACT Math	31	35

Popular Majors at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth offers students more than 60 degrees of study to choose from. Here are 10 of the school’s most popular majors.

1. Economics

Economics students learn about finance, international economics, macroeconomics, competition and strategy, labor economics, development economics, and public economics in intimate, discussion-based classes.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 145

2. Government

Government majors learn about what has worked and what has failed in governments around the world throughout history. They also learn to collect and analyze quantitative data to understand the political world.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 137

3. Computer Science

Coursework in this program includes Motion Study: Using Motion Analysis for Science, Art and Medicine; Foundations of Digital Design; Impact Design; Advanced Algorithms; Full-Stack Web Development; Augmented and Virtual Reality Development; Smartphone Programming; and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 124

4. Biological Sciences

Coursework in this program includes Gene Expression and Inheritance, Vertebrate Zoology, Global Change Biology, Advanced Methods in Ecological Research, Advanced Biostatistics, and Current Topics in Neurobiology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 77

5. Engineering Sciences

Students gain experience from multiple engineering fields, and have the opportunity to assist faculty with graduate-level research.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 74

6. Mathematics

Students in this major choose their coursework to reflect their interests in mathematics. They learn to formulate, interpret and draw inferences from mathematical models as well as use mathematical tools and techniques.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 47

7. Psychological & Brain Sciences

In this program, majors learn about cognitive, affective, and physiological processes, as well as how and where memories are stored, and other topics involving the brain and nervous system.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 40

8. History

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 33

9. Neuroscience

This interdisciplinary program features classes in psychology, biology, computer science, chemistry, engineering, and medicine. Students get hands-on experience working in labs and on research projects under the tutelage of a faculty mentor.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 31

10. Anthropology

Anthropology students examine what it is to be human through a lens of social, scientific, biocultural, and humanistic terms. Students explore topics in archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistic anthropology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 29

Graduation Rate

The majority of Dartmouth students graduate with their degree in four years. However, some students need extra time to complete their studies before graduating. These are the Dartmouth College graduation rates for students who started in the fall of 2017.

• 4 years: 84%

• 6 years: 96%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Dartmouth graduates tend to go on to well-paying careers. Upon completing their degree, Dartmouth alumni can expect to earn, on average, $97,434 a year. This is significantly higher than the average income for the class of 2024, which is $68,516 annually.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a top-ranked education with an emphasis on research, Dartmouth College may be right for you. While the Dartmouth acceptance rate is low, and the tuition is high, the school is need-blind, and won’t consider your ability to pay when you apply. Plus there are many financial aid options available that could help you cover the cost of school. After graduation, Dartmouth alumni can typically move onto a career that pays very well.

SoFi private student loans offer competitive interest rates for qualifying borrowers, flexible repayment plans, and no origination fees.

View Your Rate

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SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

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External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

SOISL-Q125-011

Jan

2025

Amherst College Tuition and Fees

By Wesley Yu | Uncategorized | Comments Off

Amherst College Tuition and Fees

Total Cost of Attendance

Amherst College, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, is a private liberal arts college. Founded in 1821, it’s one of the Five Colleges, a consortium that includes Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Hampshire Colleges along with the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This consortium allows students to take courses at any of the schools.

In 2023-24, Amherst tuition and fees were $67,280, which is much higher than the average tuition and fees for private institutions of $43,350. Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.

Costs 2023-24
Tuition & Fees	$67,280
Books & Supplies	$1,000
Room & Board	$17,560
Other Expenses	$1,800
Total Cost of Attendance	$87,640

Financial Aid

At Amherst, 65% of students use one or more forms of financial aid to pay tuition, including loans, scholarships, and grants. Twenty-one percent of students receive Pell Grants, which is a federal student loan program for students who demonstrate an exceptional financial need. Amherst is “need-blind:” A prospective student’s ability to pay for college won’t be considered when they apply.

Learn more about student loan and scholarship options before applying to college.

Explore financial aid options: Massachusetts Student Loan & Scholarships.

• Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and nonprofit organizations.

• Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

• Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

• US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

• College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Private Student Loans

Private student loans are a funding option that can help students bridge the gap between federal financial aid and the cost of attendance. At Amherst, 5% of students take out federal loans, while 3% borrow private student loans averaging $15,657.

Learn more about borrowing money for school with this student loans guide.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The projected price of a four-year degree from Amherst College is $350,560, based on 2023-24 tuition prices according to the National Center for Education Statistics. For comparison, the national average cost of a four-year bachelor’s degree at a private institution is $241,680, according to CollegeData.com.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

In 2023-24, the cost of Amherst, including tuition and fees plus books and supplies, totaled $68,280. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same amount. For comparison, the average cost to attend a private nonprofit institution is $43,350, according to the College Board.

Costs 2023-24

Tuition & Fees	$67,280
Books & Supplies	$1,000
Total	$68,280

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Amherst College does not offer any graduate programs, but 80% of alumni go onto graduate or professional schools for additional education.

After graduating from Amherst, if you decide to pursue additional education, there are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

Amherst doesn’t offer a breakdown of the cost per credit hour. Annual tuition at Amherst is $67,280, and students must complete 32 classes over four years to graduate.

Students, with some exceptions, are required to take four full courses each semester. Students may also sign up for one or two half courses in addition to four full courses without seeking special permission. Half courses are not normally included in the requirement of thirty-two courses for the degree. Amherst students can not take more classes to accelerate their graduation.

Campus Housing Expenses

Amherst College guarantees housing for all four years, and the majority of students live on campus. There are 34 residential halls across the campus, and students are guaranteed on-campus housing for all four years. There are six residence areas on campus: First-Year Quad East; First-Year Quad West; Central Campus; Greenways, King, Wieland; North Campus; and West Campus. First-year students are required to live on campus in one of the seven buildings that are part of the first-year quads.

After their first year, students can apply to live off campus where there are many apartments, duplexes, and houses located nearby. Amherst College does not offer an off-campus listings service, but nearby UMass Amherst has an off-campus housing site that features housing in the area.

Costs for 2023-24

Student Type	On-Campus	Off-Campus
Room & Board	$17,560	$17,560
Other Expenses	$1,800	$1,800

Amherst College Acceptance Rate

Fall 2023
Number of applications	28,841
Number accepted	1,730
Percentage Accepted	6%

Admission Requirements

The deadline to apply for early decision at Amherst is November 8, and the regular decision deadline is January 6. Here’s a list of what prospective students need to submit to apply.

Required:

• High school transcript

• Amherst College Writing supplement

• School report

• Counselor letter of recommendation

• Two teacher recommendations

Optional:

• SAT or ACT scores

SAT and ACT Scores

Students applying to Amherst have the option to submit SAT and ACT scores. The school recommends submitting all test results, since they evaluate applications based on the most advantageous combination of scores for either the SAT and/or ACT, regardless of test date. Here are the standardized test scores at the 25th and 75th percentile for students who applied for fall 2023:

Subject	25th Percentile	75th Percentile
SAT Evidence-Based Reading/Writing	690	770
SAT Math	670	780
ACT Composite	31	35
ACT English	32	35
ACT Math	28	35

How will YOU pay for college? This student loans guide is the right place to start.

Popular Majors at Dartmouth College

Amherst is a small college with a 7:1 student-to-professor ratio. Students can choose from 41 majors in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. The college offers more than 850 courses on its campus, and students can also select from more than 6,000 classes through the Five College Consortium. Here are the most popular majors at Amherst.

1. Economics

Economics majors learn to apply data, empirical methods, and economic theory to study real-world events. Classes include pluralist economics, economics and psychology, antiracist antieconomics, industrial organization, monetary theory and policy, and more. Amherst counts two Nobel laureates among their alumni.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 56

2. Computer Science

Computer science majors dive into topics like artificial intelligence, big data, cryptography, and more. Students have the opportunity to study abroad at renowned institutions including AIT Budapest, DIS Study in Scandinavia, King’s College London, University of Hong Kong, and more. Senior year, students can work on an in-depth honors thesis with the help of a faculty member.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 51

3. Biochemistry & Biophysics

The interdisciplinary BCBP major — considered one of the most challenging majors at Amherst — requires students to take courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and computer science. Students have opportunities to participate in a summer research experience and/or to pursue honors research as a senior. Amherst offers a summer incubator program designed for students who are underrepresented in STEM disciplines, including Black, Latinx, Indigenous, first-generation, and low-income students.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 37

4. Mathematics & Statistics

Statistics and math majors at Amherst receive a liberal arts education covering a range of pure and applied topics. Statistics majors take classes like introduction to statistics via modeling, statistics communication, data science, while math majors study calculus and linear algebra, as well as how math is applied in other subjects such as computer science or economics. Graduates of Amherst’s math or statistics programs go onto careers in finance, medicine, education, law, tech, and government, as well as pursue graduate degrees in pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and data science, as well as other related disciplines.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 36

5. Biology

The Biology curriculum at Amherst is designed to prepare students for postgraduate work in biology or allied careers, and many students spend their senior year working on a thesis project. Students can choose an area of specialization including evolution, microbiology, neurobiology, or genome biology. Students get hands-on learning experience in labs in addition to taking classes like evolutionary biology, disease ecology, molecular and cellular biophysics, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 22

6. English

The Amherst Writing College is one of the most renowned programs in the world, and it counts major names in literature among its alumni and faculty, including Robert Frost, David Foster Wallace, and Kirun Kapur. Amherst English majors learn how to analyze, critique, and create work in all different media and modes. Students take classes in poetry, film, novels, television shows, drama, memoir, even podcasts.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 19

7. Political Science

Political science majors can choose from three areas of study: political theory; domestic politics and state-society relations; and international politics and practices. Students take specialized seminars, research seminars, and surveys as they sharpen their analytical and communication skills. Political science majors can apply for a Lantham scholarship to help offset the cost of spending the summer working as interns in Washington, D.C., in offices of the federal government, or in other positions in public service.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 17

8. History

History majors at Amherst are taught to analyze texts and documents; how to frame research questions; and how to write historical analyses. Students can choose to concentrate their studies on a geographic region or on a theme, like cultures, ideas, and emotions, or histories of race and racism. Many history majors take the opportunity to study abroad at programs in Spain, South Africa, and Greece among other destinations.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 17

9. Chemistry

Are you a history lover? You’ll love diving into classes like Turning Points in American History, The Making of the Modern World Economy, The Intellectual History of Capitalism, Modern Germany: 1871-1990, The Russian Revolution, and Twentieth-Century Latin America.The Amherst chemistry department is certified by the American Chemical Society and offers coursework in chemistry, biology, physics, and materials science. Students may also have the opportunity to assist faculty in research projects dealing with inorganic and hybrid materials synthesis, high-resolution molecular spectroscopy of jet-cooled species, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 13

10. Art & the History of Art

Amherst offers two areas of study in this department: History of Art and the Practice of Art. The History of Art program looks at architecture, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and material culture from different periods and countries around the world. The Practice of Art offers students the chance to explore a broad range of media and artistic techniques. The studio faculty are all working artists with experience in both making and teaching art. Fayerweather Hall, home to the department of art and the history of art, has painting and drawing rooms, a sculpture studio, a print studio, a photography darkroom, a black box video studio, digital lab, woodshop, and the Eli Marsh Gallery.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 10

Graduation Rate

The majority of Amherst students graduate within four years. The graduate rates at Amherst College for students who began their studies in the fall of 2017 are as follows:

• 4 years: 73%

• 6 years: 93%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Ten years after starting at Amherst College, students earn a median wage of $77,644 a year. This is higher than the national average for the class of 2024 of $68,516.

Bottom Line

Though Amherst is a small institution, the fact that it is one of the Five Colleges means students have ample opportunity to take whatever courses of study interest them. And while the tuition is higher than the average private college, there are many options for financial aid available, so paying for college shouldn’t be an issue.

SoFi private student loans offer competitive interest rates for qualifying borrowers, flexible repayment plans, and no origination fees.

View Your Rate

SOISL-Q125-012

Jan

2025

Santa Clara University Tuition and Fees

By Wesley Yu | Uncategorized | Comments Off

Santa Clara University Tuition and Fees

Total Cost of Attendance

Santa Clara University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley in Santa Clara, California, is a private Jesuit university. It consistently ranks on top universities lists for its teaching, innovation, and ethnic diversity.

In 2023-24, Santa Clara University tuition and fees were $59,241. This is higher than the national average for private college tuition of $43,350. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition.

Costs for 2023-2024

Tuition & Fees	$59,241
Books & Supplies	$939
Room & Board	$18,984
Other Expenses	$3,978
Total Cost of Attendance	$83,142

Financial Aid

A full 75% of students rely on financial aid to help cover the cost of Santa Clara tuition and fees. Eleven percent of SCU students receive Pell Grants, which is a federal student loan program for students who demonstrate an exceptional financial need. The average Pell Grant award at SCU was $5,551.

Learn more about student loan and scholarship options before applying to college.

Explore financial aid options: Massachusetts Student Loan & Scholarships.

• Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, and nonprofit organizations.

• Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

• Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

• US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

• College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Private Student Loans

Learn more about borrowing money for school with this student loans guide.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The projected price of a four-year degree from Santa Clara University is $332,568, based on 2023-24 tuition prices using the National Center for Education Statistics multi-year tuition calculator. For comparison, the national average cost of a four-year bachelor’s degree at a private institution is $241,680, according to CollegeData.com.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

The cost to attend Santa Clara University for an undergraduate degree, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies, was $60,180 in 2023-24. In-state and out-of-state undergraduate students pay the same amount. For comparison, the average cost to attend a private nonprofit institution is $43,350, according to the College Board.

Costs 2023-24

Tuition & Fees	$59,241
Books & Supplies	$939
Total	$60,180

Graduate Tuition and Fees

SCU offers seven graduate programs in a variety of areas including business, law, theology, and engineering. The average cost of Santa Clara University graduate tuition and fees was $25,873 for one year of a two-year program. For comparison, the average cost of a master’s degree is $15,100 per year at a private university.

Graduate students can explore graduate loans to help cover this cost.

Costs 2023-24

Tuition	$25,873
Fees	$0

Cost per Credit Hour

For the 2023/24 school year, the annual tuition at Santa Clara is $59,241, which covers the cost of 12 or more units per quarter (which is considered full-time). For SCU undergraduate students enrolled in fewer than 12 units, the cost per unit is $1,627. Students are required to complete a minimum of 175 units in order to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from SCU.

Certificates

Santa Clara University offers a number of online graduate and certificate programs, including an online MBA, graduate certificate in restorative justice and chaplaincy, and a certificate in applied bioengineering. Prices vary depending on the program, ranging from $351 per unit for the School of Education to $1,160 per unit in the School of Engineering.

Recommended: How to Pay for a Grad Certificate Program

Campus Housing Expenses

Freshmen are required to live on campus at Santa Clara University. Both freshmen and most sophomores live in Residential Learning Communities that are found in eight of the 10 campus residence halls. These RLCs are focused on a theme like contemporary world issues or community service. Juniors and seniors who choose to stay on campus typically live in the University Villas, a townhouse-style complex close to campus.

Those who opt to live off campus can choose from SCU-owned apartments and private rentals available near campus. For more information, visit the SCU off-campus website.

Costs for 2023-24

Student Type	On-Campus	Off-Campus
Room & Board	$18,984	$19,431
Other Expenses	$3,978	$6,192

Santa Clara Acceptance Rate

Santa Clara University acceptance rate is 44%, making it a somewhat competitive school. Nearly 19,000 students applied to attend SCU for fall 2023, and 8,291 were accepted.

Fall 2023
Number of applications	18,843
Number accepted	8,291
Percentage Accepted	44%

Admission Requirements

The deadline for applying to Santa Clara University undergrad Early Decision I and Early Action is November 1, with a decision given by late December. The deadline for Early Decision II is January 7, with a decision given by mid-February. The deadline for Regular Decision is January 7, with a decision given by late March.

Here’s what you’ll need if you apply to SCU:

Required:

• High school transcript

• Academic teacher evaluation

Not required but considered:

• SAT or ACT scores

SAT and ACT Scores

Prospective students don’t have to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their SCU application, and they won’t be disadvantaged if they choose not to.

Here are the average standardized test scores of admitted students who applied to Santa Clara University for fall 2023.

Subject	25th Percentile	75th Percentile
SAT Evidence-Based Reading/Writing	660	730
SAT Math	680	770
ACT Composite	30	33
ACT Math	27	33

Popular Majors at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University is divided into three colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the Leavey School of Business. Undergrads can choose from more than 50 majors and minors. Here are ten of the most popular majors at SCU:

1. Finance

Finance majors at the Leavey School of Business study the theory of finance but also the practice of finance and managerial skills in the real world. Many students opt to add a real estate minor to their studies. SCU finance graduates go onto all kinds of jobs in business (and often working for companies based in Silicon Valley), including corporate financial officers, traders, investment managers, financial analysts, and investment bankers.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 164

2. Communication

The SCU Communication department within the College of Arts and Science provides students with both hands-on training and rigorous analysis. Students learn how to report a news story, make a presentation, produce films and television programs, design communication campaigns, and create digital content. Communication majors can also choose to pursue minors in journalism or digital filmmaking. SCU communication grads go onto a wide variety of careers in the communication, entertainment, tech, journalism, and nonprofit industries.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 128

3. Mathematics

At SCU, math majors focus on one of three goals: preparing for graduate studies in pure or applied mathematics or statistics; preparing to teach secondary school-level math; or preparing for a research career in business, industry, or government. Students can choose an emphasis of applied mathematics, data science, financial mathematics, mathematical economics, or mathematics education. The mathematics education track is designed to prepare students to take the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET).

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 102

4. Psychology

In the psychology program at the College of Arts and Science, students can choose one of the following tracks: forensic psychology; user experience/data science/human factors; neuroscience; clinical/counseling psychology; organizational dynamics; industrial/organizational psychology; or academic research. SCU psych majors pursue a variety of careers and advanced studies, including going on to earn graduate degrees needed for the professional practice of psychology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 100

5. Marketing

Marketing majors graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the Leavey School of Business. Students take courses in advertising, retailing, sales, brand management, and market research, as well as get hands-on experience with internships at local Silicon Valley companies. Some students pair their marketing major with a retail studies minor.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 99

6. Political Science

Political science majors are exposed to both traditional academic coursework alongside experiential learning opportunities. They can take advantage of public and private sector internships and study abroad. The Washington Semester Program gives SCU students a chance to intern at organizations like the Justice Department, international NGOs, Congress, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 77

7. Computer Engineering

The computer engineering major with the College of Engineering at SCU focuses on programming and building computer systems. Students follow a core program where they learn engineering aspects of software and hardware as well as the mathematical foundations of computation. Computer science majors can pursue the B.S./M.S. Program, which allows full-time SCU undergraduates to work on courses required for a master’s degree before their B.S. degree requirements are complete

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 74

8. Economics

Economics majors choose from two undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the Leavey School of Business or a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Arts and Sciences. From there, they also choose one of the following areas of concentration: data analysis or mathematical economics. SCU econ grads go onto careers in business, law, private consulting, education, government service, and banking and finance.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 66

9. Biology

After completing a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Santa Clara University, many students go on to work in biotechnology, education, health, or research. In addition to classroom foundations, students participate in laboratory or field work and are encouraged to work with faculty of research projects. Many biology majors choose to study abroad with programs in dozens of countries including New Zealand, South Korea, and Argentina.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 55

10. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering majors take classes like engineering graphics and computer-aided design, mathematical methods in mechanical engineering, and more. With the SCU campus centrally located in Silicon Valley, mechanical engineering students are able to take advantage of top-notch internships as well as find sponsors for design projects. Students get hands-on experience in well-equipped labs and project spaces as well as through the SCU co-op program and independent projects.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 36

Graduation Rate

The majority of SCU undergrads finish their degrees within four years. The graduate rates at Santa Clara University for students who began their studies in the fall of 2017 are as follows:

• 4 years: 83%

• 6 years: 88%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Ten years after starting at Santa Clara University, students earn a median wage of $109,183, which is nearly 60% higher than the U.S. average for the class of 2024 of $68,516.

Bottom Line

With a campus that sits in the shadow of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara University is a well-connected institution that offers students strong academics in a beautiful setting. And while SCU tuition is higher than average for private universities, you have many student loan options to help with those costs.

SoFi private student loans offer competitive interest rates for qualifying borrowers, flexible repayment plans, and no origination fees.

View Your Rate

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