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Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
www.scu.edu/ 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA, 95053
What is Santa Clara University ranking?
Santa Clara University (SCU) is one of the top academic universities in California. The Santa Clara University ranking on national lists highlights the school’s prestige. According to the US News college rankings, Santa Clara University is ranked #55 among National Universities. The Santa Clara University ranking by U.S. News places SCU in the top 15% of universities across the country. The Santa Clara ranking in Wall Street Journal is still respectable, if slightly lower—#74.
The high Santa Clara University ranking in U.S. News stems from the school’s academic excellence, financial value, ethnic diversity, and graduate employment rates.
The Santa Clara University ranking in Forbes specifically highlights SCU’s high graduation rate. Santa Clara University has a 4-year graduation rate of 88% and a 6-year graduation rate of 92%. These high numbers are just one factor that goes into this school’s respectable ratings.
Is Santa Clara University prestigious?
Santa Clara University can be considered prestigious. As a nationally acclaimed university, SCU consistently has a relatively competitive acceptance rate. Each year, many top students from across the country choose to attend Santa Clara University.
According to U.S. News, Santa Clara University has an acceptance rate of 54% and an early acceptance rate of 82.5%. On average, admitted students have an SAT score of 1470 or an ACT score of 29-33.
Santa Clara University is test optional until 2024. In the 2022 application cycle, 42% of SCU applicants chose to submit test scores.
Admissions officials at Santa Clara University review applications holistically. Key factors include each student’s transcript, course rigor, unweighted GPA, extracurricular activities, Common App essay, supplemental questions, and demonstrated interest.
Learn more about other test-optional colleges and universities by viewing CollegeAdvisor’s Test Optional Colleges Guide.
What majors is Santa Clara University known for?
The 2022 US News college rankings list Santa Clara University as #14 nationally for Best Undergraduate Teaching. With this high distinction, it’s no surprise that Santa Clara University has some of the best undergraduate programs and majors.
The Santa Clara University ratings are high in large part due to the school’s 11:1 student-faculty ratio. According to U.S. News, 38% of classes at SCU have fewer than 20 students. Furthermore, according to the Forbes college rankings, the average freshman retention rate is 93%—one indicator of student satisfaction.
The most acclaimed Santa Clara University majors include business, engineering, and computer science. According to Business Wire, these Santa Clara University majors rank as follows:
Santa Clara University Ranking for Business
The undergraduate Santa Clara University ranking for business is #67 out of 500 universities worldwide. So, if you’re looking for a strong undergraduate business program, SCU might be a good choice for you.
Considering the school’s nationally-acclaimed business program, the high Santa Clara University ranking for business is no surprise. Popular SCU majors in this field include finance, economics, marketing, and accounting. According to U.S. News, approximately 27% of 2021 SCU graduates chose these business-oriented Santa Clara University majors.
Santa Clara University Ranking for Engineering
Next, let’s look at SCU’s undergraduate engineering program. According to BusinessWire, the undergraduate Santa Clara University ranking for engineering is #132 out of over 200 doctorate-granting universities.
Note that the Santa Clara University ranking for engineering includes multiple majors. At SCU, students can major in bioengineering, civil environmental and sustainable engineering, electrical engineering, general engineering, and mechanical engineering.
Santa Clara University Ranking for Computer Science
Computer Science is one of the most acclaimed majors at SCU. The Santa Clara University ranking for computer science is #138 out of nearly 500 programs—a respectable ranking. The Santa Clara University ranking for Computer Science includes the majors of computer science and engineering as well as web design and engineering.
Overall, the SCU ranking for computer science or engineering may not match those of top 10 colleges. However, they still highlight the school’s strong academic reputation. These popular majors also provide students with plenty of postgraduate job opportunities.
For more details on how to find the right major for you, check out our guide on how to choose a major.
Most Reliable Santa Clara University Rankings
You can find the Santa Clara University ranking on many sites on the internet. However, you should ensure that each Santa Clara University ranking you read is reliable.
Three of the most trusted sources for college rankings include the U.S. News college rankings, Forbes college rankings, and Wall Street Journal college rankings. Be mindful that Wall Street Journal college rankings are partnered with Times Higher Education rankings.
These trusted sources use a variety of data points and primary sources to determine their college rankings. Keep in mind that different organizations use different factors to evaluate the top colleges in the US.
These organizations base college rankings on the following criteria:
- Graduation/Student Retention Rates — percentage of students who graduate or return after their first year.
- Graduate Performance — graduate employment rates and average earnings.
- Academic Reputation — strength of academic programs.
- Faculty Resources — class size, average faculty salaries, and student-to-faculty ratios.
- Student Selectivity for Entering Class — test scores and GPAs of admitted students, as well as acceptance rates.
- Financial Resources per Student — endowment and financial resources available per student based on the overall enrollment.
- Graduate Indebtedness — graduates’ average outstanding loans.
According to the US News college rankings, the Forbes college rankings, and the Wall Street Journal college rankings, the Santa Clara University ranking falls within the top 100 colleges in the US.
The Santa Clara University ranking in U.S. News is #55. Similarly, the Santa Clara University ranking in Forbes is #56. Finally, the Santa Clara University ranking in Wall Street Journal is slightly lower—#74.
You can also find high Santa Clara University ratings on other sites. While these sites may be less inherently reliable, they can still teach you about the student experience at SCU. SCU proudly highlights its awards, rankings, and accolades on its Santa Clara University Admissions page.
Learn more about top colleges in California with our guide to the Best Colleges in California.
Santa Clara University Ranking vs. Best Colleges in California
In comparison to other colleges in California, the Santa Clara University ranking is #11 out of 65 colleges within the state. According to the Wall Street Journal college rankings, the Santa Clara University ranking is behind some of California’s top-tier colleges. Top California colleges include Stanford University, the University of California Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California.
While SCU ranks behind the top 10 California colleges, the Santa Clara University ranking is ahead of other well-known institutions. These include Pepperdine University, Loyola Marymount University, and the University of California Irvine, to name a few.
Considering the prestige of the colleges and universities within California, the Santa Clara University ranking is high. That said, ranking should be just one factor as you build your college list.
Santa Clara University offers a unique learning environment that attracts students from across the nation. Unlike some of the colleges in California, SCU benefits from its location. Santa Clara University sits in the heart of Silicon Valley, the world’s most innovative and entrepreneurial region. As a result, graduates typically land high-paying internships and jobs upon graduation. According to the online publication Money, SCU graduates’ early career earnings average is $93,290.
Using College Rankings
As you continue to build your college list, you should understand the value of the college ranking. Different ranking sources will rank schools based on criteria including college type, region, and academic program. So, do your research beyond the general ranking of each school. Ideally, you should look for the rankings for your intended program of study, regional preference, and college size.
Learn more about the importance of college rankings by checking out this guide. Or, click here to start building your college list using our free tool. Additionally, if you want one-on-one guidance as you find the right college for you, click here to meet with our team.
Santa Clara University Admissions
Acceptance Rate 54%
Acceptance Deadline January 7
Santa Clara University Tuition
Average Cost* $42,614
Average Total Aid Awarded $39,070
Students Receiving Financial Aid 32.13%
*Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
Santa Clara University Classes
Student Faculty Ratio 11:1
Santa Clara University Online
Offers Online Courses No
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Santa Clara University Enrollement
Full-Time Undergrad Enrollment 5,895
Advisors from Santa Clara University
I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duke University with a B.A. in Environmental Sciences & Policy and Sociology, the latter with distinction for researching and defending my undergraduate thesis and with a concentration in the Sociology of Work and Organizations. I was part of a plethora of organizations while in college, such as being a member of Business Oriented Women, a teaching assistant for Duke's Social Marketing class, and a marketing coordinator for a civic engagement program for Duke and Stanford student-athletes. Outside of Duke, I also took accounting classes at Foothill College and plan to sit for the CPA exam next year. During my time at Duke, I advised college-aged peers and students as an alum of my high school's Women in Leadership class on landing finance internships, resume building, interview prep, and more. In high school, I was a writing tutor and helped seniors and juniors sharpen their personal statements and supplement essays. I have a lot of experience as a peer editor and reader, and also assisted my younger sibling and cousins on their college applications. I have a widely adaptable approach to advising and am quick to pivot to ensure that any student's needs are met and exceeded. I take pride in my research skills as well as my writing/reviewing abilities. I had a whirlwind of an experience while applying to college, having applied to over 20 schools and being accepted to all but 2. Yet, the most memorable part of the process for me was being able to give back and help my peers achieve success. My goal is to ensure that a holistic, impactful picture of any student is aptly conveyed through writing and, more importantly, to make the college application and advising process as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Currently, I am a Global Banking & Markets Analyst at a financial firm in New York City. I also plan to apply to JD/MBA programs in the coming years to further my passion for law and business. My passion for advising and education stems back to my childhood, not only from being inspired by my mother's experience as an FGLI student who pushed herself to earn her Bachelor's degree and MBA on her own, but also by being able to tutor and help my younger brother on his journey to college. Outside of my career, I love photography, hiking, and running my music blog.
Also Accepted to
I hold a B.A. in Communication from the University of Southern California, as well as minors in Journalism and Film. While at USC, I participated in a variety of research projects, including the Media, Diversity, and Social Change Initiative (MDSCI), which has since been renamed the Inclusionists. I graduated Summa Cum Laude, with additional honors, and a GPA of 3.93. Following a year gap at work, I began studying for an Master's of Science in Global Communication from the London School of Economics and Political Science; I followed this degree with an additional Master's of Arts in Global Media from USC. During this time, I published original research and two dissertations, and volunteered in the admissions office, gaining critical experience needed to navigate the admissions process in high-performing institutions. I completed my graduate education in 2019, shortly before the pandemic, and decided to open my own college advising and academic coaching company. I have had students admitted to Ivies, Stanford, USC, all UCs, and some international schools primarily based in the UK and Europe. I regularly work with my clients not only to determine which schools would be best for their intended major, financial status, and personality, but also work closely to develop a narrative for the admission process. With my guidance, they refine this narrative in their essays, and use a template system for supplemental essays in order to maximize efficiency. My students have applied to majors from business to environmental studies, computer science to theatre, nursing to pre-law. I am an excellent writer and storyteller, with a passion for editing, and the most enjoyable part of my day is hearing from students that they have learned something new about writing during our sessions. It is a joy to work with this generation of students; they are whip-smart, hilarious, and ambitious. I love to bond with them over shared passions, get to know them through in our sessions and through their writing, and refine their skills to become the best writers, storytellers, and students they can be. Although the task of finding and applying to colleges is daunting, I believe that together, in concert with some hard work and a little humor, the process can be as fun as it is challenging.
Also Accepted to
Over the last decade, I have served students in various capacities in the K - 16 system. I work professionally to support students to and through college degree completion.
As an experienced application and essay reader, I have supported students to successful admission and matriculation to various T-20 institutions and into their dream school. When students work with me, they get an advisor who wants to know them as a whole person, someone who cares deeply about their well-being and future, and support both during our time together and outside to ensure they are as well prepared and informed as possible.
Some of my interests are photography, reading, writing, and building wealth through investing.
Also Accepted to
Hi everyone! My name is Dovie! I'm originally from Alabama but I grew up in the Bay Area. I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2017 with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in American Studies with an emphasis in Education. (Go Bears!) While at Cal, I served as the Assistant Director of Recruitment for the Black Recruitment and Retention Center and joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I have worked in education for over 10 years from tutoring/advising jobs to recruitment work for Cal to managing an Education & Careers department at a nonprofit. I love advising high school students and what I've learned over the years is that there are many pathways for students to achieve their academic goals. As an advisor, I enjoy helping students paint the full picture of themselves through their essays and assisting with career/major exploration. In my everyday life I enjoy listening to music, watching movies, and reading. My latest read was "All About Love" by bell hooks which I highly recommend! I look forward to working with you to achieve your college goals!
Also Accepted to
Santa Clara University Supplemental Essay
Santa Clara University Supplemental Essays 2022-23 Santa Clara University is a research university located in California. If you want to stand out in the SCU admissions process, the Santa Clara […]
