College Spotlight: Santa Clara University
The Details:
Location: Santa Clara, California
Institution Type: Private Institution
Student Body: 5,438 undergraduate students and 3,296 graduate students
Student/Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Acceptance Rate: 53.9%*
Average GPA: 3.67 (unweighted GPA)
Average SAT: 1360
Average ACT: 30
*Class of 2025
Admissions 411:
Early Action: November 1st
Early Decision I: November 1st
Early Decision II: January 7th
Regular Decision: January 7th
Test-Optional: Yes, for the 2022 and 2023 admissions cycles (under review for future admission cycles)
Required Application: Common Application
Personal Essay: Required
The Vibe:
Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University is the oldest university of higher education in California. Through small class sizes rarely exceeding fifty people, teachers and scholars at SCU strive to nurture and challenge students intellectually, spiritually, socially, and physically. In fact, SCU’s commitment to its students is one of its core values of educating the “whole person.”
One of the most unique aspects of Santa Clara, however, is its location in the heart of Silicon Valley. Silicon Valley, home to many start-up and global technology companies, is the perfect location for imaginative minds who seek a creative and intellectual outlet. With an emphasis on civic engagement, SCU students learn about tangible solutions to help improve the lives of disadvantaged members of society.
From learning with others, working with others, and serving others, Santa Clara maintains its Catholic foundation and centers its institution on the relationships that students build with others. As a result, the undergraduate residence halls at Santa Clara University are home to eight Residential Learning Communities established to foster integrated education within a community of scholars. Overall, Santa Clara University students graduate with skills and values that will help them create a more just, humane, and sustainable world. Students realize that this goal can be achieved no matter what field of study they embark on during their time at Santa Clara University.
Did You Know?
The top three employers of SCU graduates are Cisco, Apple, and Google.
Santa Clara has won 60 WCC titles across eight sports and has been to 95 NCAA tournaments with a total of 18 Final Four appearances. However, SCU doesn’t have a football team.
The campus was built around the Mission Santa Clara de Asís. It was the 8th of the original 21 California missions. It remains a spiritual center to this day.
The Adobe Lodge is the oldest building on campus. In 1981, it was restored to its 1822 decor.
In 1961, Santa Clara became the first Catholic co-educational university in California by accepting 75 female undergraduates.
The SCU Study Abroad Program allows undergraduate students to apply to over 150 approved programs in over 60 different locations during any season.
Students at Santa Clara enjoy roughly 300 days of sunshine a year.
The Retail Studies minor at Santa Clara University has a focus on e-commerce.
