Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Santa Clara, California
43.8% Acceptance Rate
Santa Clara University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
43.8%Acceptance Rate
3.67Avg GPA
1417Avg SAT
32Avg ACT
$77,768Annual Cost
$109,183Grad Salary
10.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
43.8%
Avg GPA
3.67
Avg SAT
1417
Avg ACT
32
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SAT Middle 50%
1340–1500
ACT Middle 50%
30–33
Need-Based Aid
10.9% receive Pell
Santa Clara University Santa Clara University, founded in 1851 in California's Silicon Valley, is the oldest operating institution of higher learning in the state. The 106-acre campus offers comprehensive programs through six schools, with particular strengths in engineering, business, and law. Santa Clara maintains a 11:1 student-faculty ratio and is classified as an R2 research university. Campus landmarks include the Mission Santa Clara de As?s and the state-of-the-art Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation. The university's athletic teams, the Broncos, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the West Coast Conference.
Santa Clara takes pride in its Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person and commitment to social justice. The curriculum emphasizes ethics, global awareness, and community engagement across all disciplines. Campus life includes over 100 student organizations and extensive service-learning opportunities. Recent additions include the Schott Athletic Excellence Center and the renovated Learning Commons. Santa Clara's combination of academic excellence, Silicon Valley location, and Jesuit values creates a transformative educational experience focused on leadership and service.
Santa Clara University Acceptance Rate
Santa Clara University is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Santa Clara University is 43.8%. This means that 44 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 43.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.67 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.47 – 3.66
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.22
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
SCU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at SCU is 3.67. SCU is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.87-4.07 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.37 and 3.67, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
SCU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at SCU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.67, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.67 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.47 – 3.66
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.27 – 3.46
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.26
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At SCU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at SCU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Santa Clara University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Santa Clara University (SCU) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into SCU Without SAT or ACT?
Santa Clara University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Santa Clara University Average SAT Score: 1417
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Santa Clara University is 1417 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1417 — Very Competitive
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1417 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1500 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Santa Clara University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1340, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at SCU. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 725 | 680 | 770 |
| SAT Reading | 695 | 660 | 730 |
| SAT Composite | 1417 | 1340 | 1500 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1340 then you are below most of the admitted students at SCU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1500 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into Santa Clara University (SCU) with a 1500 SAT?
With a 1500 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Santa Clara University (SCU) are good but the admission staff at SCU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Santa Clara University (SCU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at SCU is 32.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 32 — Very Competitive
This score makes Santa Clara University very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 32 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 30 | 27 | 33 |
| ACT Composite | 32 | 30 | 33 |
Can I get into Santa Clara University with a 33 ACT?
A 33 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Santa Clara University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Santa Clara University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Santa Clara University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Santa Clara University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 33 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for SCU
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At SCU, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Target the 75th Percentile
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Demonstrated Interest
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
The 'Breadth' Factor
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Humanize the Transcript
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.
SCU Profile
Full Name
Santa Clara University (SCU)
City
Santa Clara
State
California
ZIP Code
95053
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Is a SCU Degree Worth It?
Getting into SCU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. SCU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at SCU is $93,600 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.97%.
How much does a degree from SCU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Santa Clara University is $77,768. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Santa Clara University is much less than this.
10.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 24.5 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SCU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Santa Clara University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SCU as your choice in the form.
How much does a SCU Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $109,183. An average SCU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Santa Clara University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Trinity College | Hartford, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | Washington, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Terre Haute, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| St. John's College | Annapolis, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | 1393 | 31 |
| St Olaf College | Northfield, MN | 1373 | 30 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Santa Clara University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut College | New London, CT | 1412 | 32 |
| University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | 1416 | 32 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | 1418 | 32 |
| Simpson College | Indianola, IA | 1410 | 32 |
| Mount Holyoke College | South Hadley, MA | 1422 | 32 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Santa Clara University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Scripps College | Claremont, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| Georgetown University | Washington, DC | 1494 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | 1447 | 31 |
Degree Programs at SCU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Santa Clara University →
Frequently Asked Questions About SCU Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $109,183 annually, depending on the industry.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $77,768 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
10.9% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Santa Clara University is 43.8% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.67. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.37, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.37, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.27 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.67, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Santa Clara University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1417 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1340–1500.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.