2025 admissions data

Santa Clara University Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 48.0% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 48 actually get in. No guessing. Santa Clara University is a UNIV institution located in Santa Clara, CA — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

Santa Clara University offers an appealing experience for students seeking a balanced education in a dynamic environment. It’s particularly suited for those who thrive in small class settings, seeking direct interaction with faculty who prioritize personal mentorship. Ideal candidates often appreciate a Jesuit educational ethos, focusing on ethics and social justice, thus, students interested in these values will find a meaningful connection. However, those looking for a party-centric social scene or a traditional, sprawling campus may not find Santa Clara's suburban environment conducive to their college experience. The trade-off here involves the collegiate atmosphere and vibrant city life typically associated with larger universities versus a community that is more intimate and focused on personal growth. This school provides ample opportunities for real-world experience, particularly through its location in Silicon Valley, but requires students to adapt to a potentially more rigorous academic environment with its 11:1 student-faculty ratio and average class sizes of 23.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

44.5%

Acceptance Rate

Women

51.1%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

18,970

Admitted

9,105

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose Santa Clara University. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math680–760

Reading670–730

ACT Score Range

EnglishN/A

Math29–33

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

How Competitive Is Santa Clara University? Making Sense of the Acceptance Rate

Students often equate acceptance rate with competitiveness, but the relationship isn’t always straightforward. The acceptance rate at Santa Clara University offers a useful snapshot, yet it doesn’t capture the full admissions landscape.

With an acceptance rate of 48.0%, Santa Clara University admits a significant portion of its applicants—but that doesn’t mean admissions outcomes are uniform. Different students experience different levels of competition based on how and where they apply.

The Hidden Layers Behind Acceptance Rates

Acceptance rates are shaped by applicant mix. Universities that attract students across a wide academic spectrum often report higher acceptance rates, even when expectations within certain programs are rigorous.

At Santa Clara University, students applying with a clear academic focus may encounter a very different admissions process than those applying without a defined direction. Program demand, preparation level, and alignment all matter.

Why Context Matters More Than Percentages

Acceptance rates are best understood as context, not conclusions. They help frame the admissions environment but don’t account for individual strengths or weaknesses.

For students researching the acceptance rate at Santa Clara University, the most valuable takeaway is not the number itself, but what it suggests about how competitive the applicant pool might be—and how preparation and fit influence outcomes.

Admissions Insight

One critical factor influencing student outcomes at Santa Clara University is the structure of its advising system. The university's dedication to personalized advising helps students navigate their academic paths more effectively. With smaller classes and a higher degree of one-on-one interaction with faculty, students benefit from tailored advice that aligns their academic goals with career aspirations. This personalized attention not only aids in choosing the right major but also in mapping out a course selection strategy that can lead to timely graduation. Students often report feeling more supported in managing their course loads, which can lead to improved classroom performance and reduced stress levels during their studies. Moreover, the integrated approach to advising means students receive continuous support throughout their academic careers. This is especially vital in a competitive academic landscape where students might feel lost or overwhelmed. Those who engage with academic advisors are more likely to remain on track, make informed decisions about internships and employment opportunities, and ultimately succeed in their chosen fields upon graduation. This investment in personal advising distinguishes Santa Clara from other institutions and significantly impacts students' ability to transition from college to career. Consequently, students who seek not just academic excellence but also career readiness through thoughtful guidance will find immense value here. However, for those who prefer a self-directed approach or who thrive in an environment with minimal oversight, this supportive framework may feel suffocating.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $70

Fee Waiver Available: Yes

Application Portal: https://apply.commonapp.org

Your Chances of Getting Into Santa Clara University

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at Santa Clara University based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

Is Santa Clara University a Reach, Target, or Safety School?

One of the most common reasons students research admissions data is to categorize schools. Where does Santa Clara University belong on your list? Is it a reach, a realistic target, or a safer option?

There’s no universal answer. For some applicants, Santa Clara University may represent a strong target where preparation aligns well with admissions expectations. For others—especially those applying to competitive programs—it may function more like a reach.

How to Think About Your Chances Holistically

Admissions outcomes depend on more than a single statistic. Academic rigor, consistency, course selection, and clarity of intent all influence how applications are reviewed. That’s why two students with similar GPAs can experience very different results.

Using admissions data effectively means pairing it with self-assessment. When students understand both their own profiles and how the university evaluates applicants, decisions become clearer and more grounded. In that sense, acceptance data isn’t about predicting outcomes—it’s about making smarter choices before applying.

Should You Apply to Santa Clara University?

If 48.0% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore Santa Clara University

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About Santa Clara University Acceptance Rate

What is the acceptance rate at Santa Clara University?

The acceptance rate at Santa Clara University varies yearly, but it tends to be relatively selective, emphasizing a strong academic profile and engagement in extracurricular activities.

How much does tuition cost at Santa Clara University?

The median undergraduate tuition at Santa Clara University is approximately $58,587 per year, with the net price after financial aid around $50,000.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Santa Clara University?

Santa Clara University has an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for more personalized attention and closer relationships with professors.

Is Santa Clara University test-optional?

The current test policy at Santa Clara University is unknown, so it's advisable to check for the latest updates directly from their admissions office.

What majors is Santa Clara University known for?

Santa Clara University is known for its strong programs in business through the Leavey School of Business, engineering, and liberal arts, among other disciplines.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

Santa Clara University isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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