Santa Clara University Tuition and Fees

(Last Updated – 01/2025)
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.
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.
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
Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Private Student Loans
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 borrowing money for school with this student loans guide.
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 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.
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 |
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.
Photo credit: iStock/Rebecca Todd
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