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How to Get Into Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit · 2025-2026 cycle · Verified data

Santa Clara University Admissions Statistics

48%
Acceptance Rate
670-730
SAT Reading (mid 50%)
680-760
SAT Math (mid 50%)
31-33
ACT (mid 50%)
6,552
Undergrads
88%
Graduation Rate

How to Actually Get Into Santa Clara University

The bar here is clear

Santa Clara University admits most qualified applicants. Clear the academic bar (the ranges below) and your odds are strong. The real questions become fit, cost, and whether it earns its slot on your list, not whether you can get in.

Position your scores against the real bands

The middle 50% of enrolled students sits around 1350-1490 combined SAT or 31-33 ACT. Above the 75th percentile, scores work for you and this can behave like a target. Below the 25th percentile, the rest of your application has to carry the file, treat it as a reach. Since scores are not required (test-optional) here, submit only if you're inside or above the band; a below-band score is information you don't have to volunteer.

Use the Early Decision round deliberately

Santa Clara University offers Early Decision, which is binding. The early bump is real but overstated (hooked applicants cluster early and inflate it). Spend ED once, on the school where it actually moves you a tier, and only if the money works without comparing aid offers. If that school is Santa Clara University, the deadline table below is your calendar.

The bigger picture: no single school decides your outcome, the shape of your whole list does. Read how top counselors build a college list before you finalize where Santa Clara University fits.

Santa Clara University Application Deadlines (2025-2026)

Round Deadline
Early Action (EA) November 1, 2025
Early Decision (ED) November 1, 2025
Early Decision II (ED II) January 7, 2026
Regular Decision (RD) January 7, 2026

Deadlines verified from official sources for the 2025-2026 cycle. Rounds change year to year, always confirm on the school's site before submitting.

Application Requirements & Costs

Application platform Common App
Application fee $75
Test scores Not required (test-optional)
Writing supplement Not required
Counselor recommendation Not required
Teacher evaluations 1

Santa Clara University Cost & Financial Aid

Total cost of attendance (sticker, per year) $82,026
Tuition & fees $61,293
Room & board (on campus) $19,893
Average net price (aid-receiving families) $50,062

What You'd Actually Pay, by Family Income

Average net price per year (after grants and scholarships) for aid-receiving families, from federal College Scorecard data:

Family income Average net price / year
$0-30k $22,985
$30-48k $19,154
$48-75k $26,531
$75-110k $37,219
$110k+ $60,678
11.3%
Students receiving Pell Grants
37%
Students taking federal loans
94%
Freshman retention rate
11:1
Student-faculty ratio

These are averages, not your number. Get your family's actual price in about 10 minutes:

Use Santa Clara University's Official Net Price Calculator →

More Santa Clara University Data, Coming Soon

We're building the deepest per-school database in admissions. Rolling out for Santa Clara University:

Programs & Majors Soon Every degree program at Santa Clara University, with outcomes
Transfer Pathways Soon How to transfer into Santa Clara University, and where transfers come from
Institutional Aid Soon Santa Clara University's own grants and how they're awarded
Private Scholarships Soon Outside scholarships Santa Clara University students actually win

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