UNIVERSITY · CDS 2022-2023
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA 6,115 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
CaliforniaJesuitSilicon Valley
Accept
52.1%
Yield
18.9%
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1290–1480
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
640–720
SAT Math (mid 50%)
650–760
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
29–33
GPA
Not reported
GPA NOTEAverage GPA of 3.73
METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan details not yet recorded. | |||
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$64,956
Total COA
$92,556
Avg need-based aid
$49,363
Avg merit award
$16,437
Net price after avg need aid
$43,193
Santa Clara meets 0.821% of demonstrated need on average.
Named merit programs
SCU Presidential at Entry Scholarship
$64,956 – $64,956 / yr (renewable)
SCU Provost Scholarship
$32,478 – $32,478 / yr (renewable)
SCU Dean's Scholarship
0Johnson Scholars Award
$92,556 / yr (renewable)
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
Santa Clara's AP Policy
Santa Clara University awards credit for AP exams with scores of 4 or 5. In some cases, a score of 3 is accepted for Calculus BC and Chemistry. Credit can be used to satisfy some Core Curriculum requirements.
Min score
3
Credit cap
90 credits
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankConsidered
- Academic GPAVery Important
- Standardized test scoresConsidered
- Application EssayVery Important
- Recommendation(s)Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
The University pursues its vision by creating an academic community that educates the whole person within the Jesuit, Catholic tradition, making student learning our central focus, continuously improving our curriculum and co-curriculum, strengthening our scholarship and creative work, and serving the communities of which we are a part in Silicon Valley and around the world.
Distilled Themes
Educates the whole personJesuit, Catholic traditionStudent learning as central focusService to communities
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01They're a Jesuit school that really values 'cura personalis' - care for the whole person. This means they look for students who are not just academically strong, but also demonstrate character, leadership, and a commitment to service.
- 02Their location in Silicon Valley is a huge draw, and they are looking for students who are interested in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Highlight any projects or experiences that show an interest in these areas.
- 03They are a mission-driven institution, so it's important for applicants to show that they understand and align with the university's values. This can be done through the essay, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence and a willingness to challenge yourself intellectually.
- 02Show that you are a well-rounded individual with a variety of interests and talents.
- 03Articulate how you will contribute to the Santa Clara community and how you will benefit from a Jesuit education.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- A lack of engagement in extracurricular activities or community service
- An application that is generic and does not show a genuine interest in Santa Clara
- A failure to address the university's Jesuit values and mission
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
Leavey School of Business; School of Engineering; Markkula Center for Applied Ethics; Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship; University Honors Program
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Early Decision I
Binding
Nov 1, 2025
→ Late December
Early Decision II
Binding
Jan 7, 2026
→ Mid-February
Early Action
Non-binding
Nov 1, 2025
→ Late December
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Jan 7, 2026
→ Late March
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2024-2025)
TrackedWeight: Considered
Santa Clara University considers demonstrated interest, tracking engagement through virtual events, email interaction, and application supplements.
What they watch
- Virtual info session
- “Why us” essay specificity
- Email opens / clicks
- Applying ED
- Applying EA
Coach action
Attend a virtual info session, open all emails, and write a thoughtful 'Why SCU' supplement.
Provenance