Santa Clara University is one of California’s top private Jesuit universities but its acceptance rate is a bit selective.
Established in the mid-19th century, Santa Clara University is California’s oldest operating institution of higher learning. The university enrols over 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in different areas of study.
In this article, we will be looking at the admission process at Santa Clara University, recent rankings, and the average GPA, SAT, and ACT scores required.
Before we explore the university’s admission requirements and process, let’s discuss more about Santa Clara University.
About Santa Clara University
Established in 1851, Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit institution located in Santa Clara, California. The private Jesuit university’s main campus spans 106 acres in Santa Clara, California.
Currently, Santa Clara University has an enrolment of over 8,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. A private Jesuit university that is classified as a “Doctoral/Professional” institution.
Santa Clara University is organized into six colleges that offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Also Read: The Best UC Schools and Rankings in 2024
Colleges at Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University offers a variety of academic programs through these colleges;
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Leavey School of Business
- School of Education and Counselling Psychology
- School of Engineering
- School of Law
- Jesuit School of Theology
Santa Clara University Rankings
Here are the recent rankings of Santa Clara University according to Niche.com.
- #6 in Best Catholic Colleges in America
- #24 in Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in America
- #28 in Best Colleges for Public Health in America
- #1 in Best Catholic Colleges in California
- #2 in Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance in California
- #4 in Best College Dorms in California
- #5 in Best Colleges for Business in California
- #6 Top Party Schools in California
GPA Requirement at Santa Clara University
Earning an excellent GPA in high school will increase your chances of getting to your preferred college or university. Every college and university has its specific GPA requirement that all applicants must present to gain entry into an academic program.
At Santa Clara University, the average GPA required is 3.67. This means that you need to be at the top of your class with a mix of A’s and B’s as grades for subjects.
SAT and ACT Requirements
Many private and public colleges in the United States adopted the test-optional policy. Santa Clara University is test-optional, which started in the fall of 2021.
Since the fall of 2021, all first-year applicants to Santa Clara University are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, which will not affect their chances of getting into the university.
If you were to submit test scores at Santa Clara University, the required SAT score composite is 1360. The 25th percentile SAT score is 1300, while the 75th percentile SAT score is 1420.
According to U.S.News.com, half of the applicants admitted to Santa Clara University had an SAT score between 1290 and 1470.
On the ACT, the average score at Santa Clara University is 30. The 25th percentile ACT score is 28 and the 75th percentile score is 32, making Santa Clara University very competitive for ACT score.
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How Santa Clara University Rates First-year Applicants
Santa Clara University considers three important factors when accessing applications. Admission officers at Santa Clara will at an applicant’s high school GPA, rigour of secondary school, and the application essay.
Additional factors considered “very important” at Santa Clara University’s admissions include class rank, talent, extracurricular activities, personal quality, teacher’s recommendation, volunteer work, first-generation status, and racial/ethnic status.
The Acceptance Rate at Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University receives thousands of applications in each academic year. During the last admission year, it received 16,641 applications but the number of those admitted is yet to be released by the university.
A year before the last academic year, Santa Clara University received 16, 849 applications and only admitted 9,088 students.
By accepting 9,088 applications out of 16,849, the acceptance at Santa Clara University is 54%. Santa Clara University’s acceptance rate falls below the national average for all colleges in the United States.
Santa Clara University Early Decision Acceptance Rate
Applying via early decision to any college or university increases your chances of admission. Many applicants gain entry into selective colleges and universities through early decisions.
Santa Clara University has two rounds of early decisions. The university’s Early Decision I deadline is November 1 and the Early Decision II deadline is January 7.
The overall acceptance rate at Santa Clara University during the last admission process was 54%. That same year, the Early Decision acceptance rate at Santa Clara was 84%.
Application Process for First-year Applicants at Santa Clare University
Santa Clara University uses the Common Application. All first-year applicants to Santa Clara University are required to provide the following materials;
- Official high school transcript (ninth grade through the most recently completed term) or college transcript (if applicable)
- An academic teacher evaluation
- Mid-year report due by the end of January
- Secondary school report
- A non-refundable application of $70
Please note that Santa Clara University prefer all required documents to be sent online through the Common Application portal.
If you are a transfer student seeking admission to Santa Clara University, click here to find out more about the required materials to submit.
Also Read: UC Santa Cruz Acceptance Rate, Admissions, SAT/ACT, GPA, Tuition, Ranking
What Is the Acceptance Rate for Transfer Students at Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University’s acceptance rate for transfer students is approximately 45.6%, which is quite selective.
Unlike first-year applicants, all transfer applicants to Santa Clara University are required to submit standardized test scores. To get into Santa Clara University as a transfer applicant, you need to present a GPA of 3.71.
What Is the Acceptance Rate at Santa Clara University for International Students?
Santa Clara University is a community where every student irrespective of their nationality pursues academic excellence. A good number of international students are currently enrolled at the undergraduate and graduate levels at Santa Clara.
The acceptance rate at Santa Clara University for international students is 48.2%, which is competitive.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Here are the admission requirements for international students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree at Santa Clara University.
- All international applicants must complete the Common Application
- Submit official transcripts: Applicants whose high school transcripts are not provided in English must submit an original copy and an English-translated version.
- One teacher’s evaluation (must be submitted via the Common Application)
- Mid-year report
- A non-refundable application fee of $70
- Proof of English proficiency for non-native speakers
- Santa Clara University’s financial resource statement
Tuition for Undergraduates at Santa Clara University
Below is the recent cost of attendance for undergraduates at Santa Clara University.
| Indirect cost per year | On-Campus | Off-Campus |
| Housing and Food | $19,431 | |
| Books and Supplies | $939 | $939 |
| Transportation | $1,107 | $1,764 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,871 | $4,428 |
| Total indirect cost | $4,971 | $26,562 |
| Total costs of attendance | $82,125 | $85,803 |
| Direct cost per year | On-Campus | Off-Campus |
| Tuition | $58,587 | $58,587 |
| University enhancement fee | $654 | $656 |
| Housing and food | $17,967 | |
| Total Costs | $77,208 | $59,241 |
Santa Clara University Address
- School Address: 500 El Camino Real Santa Clara, CA 95053
- Phone: (408) 554-4000
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are frequently asked questions about the acceptance rate at Santa Clara University.
What high school GPA do you need to get into Santa Clara University?
At Santa Clara University, the average GPA required is 3.67. This means that you need to be at the top of your class with a mix of A’s and B’s as grades for subjects.
Also Read: UCSB Acceptance Rate, Admission, SAT/ACT, Tuition, Rankings
What is Santa Clara University’s acceptance rate for international students?
The acceptance rate at Santa Clara University for international students is 48.2%, which is competitive.
Does Santa Clara University require the SAT?
Since the fall of 2021, all first–year applicants to Santa Clara University are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores and it will not affect their chances of getting into the university.
What are Santa Clara University’s most popular majors?
Santa Clara University offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Some of the most popular majors offered at the university include engineering, communication, business, marketing, psychology, social sciences, biological and biomedical sciences, and visual and performing arts.
How can I improve my chances of getting into Santa Clara University?
To get a fair shot to get into Santa Clara University, you need a high school GPA above 3.6, a good teacher recommendation, extracurricular activities in your profile, and a good SAT and ACT score (if applicable).
Conclusion
Santa Clara University offers an opportunity to undergraduate and postgraduate students to earn bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in different areas of study.
It accepts transfer students from other colleges in California, it’s an institution for students from every 50 states of the U.S., and international students from different countries worldwide.
