US University · Ranked #55
Santa Clara University: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
Santa Clara University is a moderately selective university in Santa Clara, California, admitting around 44% of those who apply. Ranked #55 nationally in our dataset, it rewards students who meet its academic benchmarks and submit a complete, on-time application — the bar is attainable for solid candidates and the process is more forgiving than at the most selective schools.
Santa Clara University is a Jesuit university in the heart of Silicon Valley, known for its strong business and engineering programs and connections to the tech industry.
This guide breaks down Santa Clara University's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
Santa Clara University admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 44%
- SAT range
- 1280–1440
- Average GPA
- 3.72
- In-state
- $59,241
- Out-of-state
- $59,241
- Enrollment
- 5,932
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Santa Clara, California
How hard is it to get into Santa Clara University?
With 44% of applicants admitted, Santa Clara University is moderately selective. The school admits the majority of students who meet its academic benchmarks, so the most common reasons for denial are an incomplete application, missing the deadline, or numbers that fall below the published ranges. Hitting the academic targets and applying on time is most of the battle.
For students who meet the numbers, Santa Clara University is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at Santa Clara University typically score between 1280 and 1440 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1280 and a quarter above 1440. A score at or above 1440 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.72 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1360 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.72. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1280) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
Santa Clara Universityapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 7
Santa Clara University offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Nov 1, with Regular Decision closing Jan 7. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Nov 1 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 7.
Notable programs at Santa Clara University
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
- Communication — a professionally oriented program with strong industry ties.
- Psychology — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
Santa Clara University is particularly known for Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Communication, and Psychology.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending Santa Clara University
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Santa Clara University charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $59,241 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.
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Santa Clara University: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at Santa Clara University?
- Santa Clara University has an acceptance rate of 44%, which makes it moderately selective. For students who meet the numbers, Santa Clara University is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
- What SAT score do you need for Santa Clara University?
- Admitted students at Santa Clara University typically score between 1280 and 1440 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1440 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1280 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into Santa Clara University?
- The average GPA of admitted students at Santa Clara University is approximately 3.72 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.72 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for Santa Clara University?
- Santa Clara University's application deadlines: Early Action is Nov 1 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Jan 7. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is Santa Clara University a public or private university?
- Santa Clara University is a private university. Tuition is the same regardless of residency, but need-based aid can substantially lower the net price.
- How much does it cost to attend Santa Clara University?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Santa Clara University charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $59,241 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.