Santa Clara University: A Comprehensive Look at Undergraduate Enrollment Statistics
Santa Clara University (SCU), a private Jesuit university established in 1851, holds the distinction of being the oldest operating institution of higher learning in California. This article delves into various aspects of Santa Clara University's undergraduate enrollment statistics, providing a detailed overview of its diversity, admissions, costs, and academic outcomes.
Diversity and Demographics
Understanding the composition of the student body is crucial in assessing the university's commitment to inclusivity and representation.
Geographic Diversity
SCU demonstrates a moderate level of geographic diversity, ranking 264 out of 2,183 colleges in this aspect. A significant portion of the student population comes from outside California, with 40.68% originating from out of state and 5.92% from out of the country. The undergraduate student body represents 37 states (including Washington D.C.).
Age Diversity
The university excels in attracting students of various ages, as indicated by its age diversity score of 76.32 out of 100. This suggests that SCU provides a welcoming environment for both traditional (18-21 years old) and non-traditional students.
Race and Ethnicity
In 2023, the enrolled student population at Santa Clara University presented the following racial and ethnic composition:
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- White: 33.2%
- Asian: 20.3%
- Hispanic or Latino: 18.2%
- Two or More Races: 7.11%
- Black or African American: 3.05%
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander: 0.257%
- American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.0321%
Notably, White students constitute the largest group, followed by Asian and Hispanic or Latino students. When considering full-time undergraduate students, White males (19.9%) and White females (18.8%) represent the most common demographics, followed by Asian males (11.1%).
Admissions and Enrollment
Analyzing admissions statistics provides insights into the selectivity and competitiveness of Santa Clara University.
Acceptance Rate
In 2023, Santa Clara University received 18,843 undergraduate applications and accepted 8,261 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 43.8%. This figure is lower than the 52.1% acceptance rate in 2022, indicating increased selectivity. The number of applicants grew by 13.2% between 2022 and 2023, while admissions declined by 4.79%.
SAT Scores
Approximately 25% of enrolled first-time students in 2023 submitted SAT scores with their applications.
Total Enrollment
In 2023, Santa Clara University's total enrollment, encompassing both undergraduate and graduate students, reached 9,340. Full-time enrollment comprised 8,070 students, while part-time enrollment accounted for 1,270 students, indicating that 86.4% of students attend full-time. The undergraduate enrollment for fall 2023 was 6,249 students.
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Retention Rate
The retention rate, which measures the percentage of first-time students returning for their second year, stood at 94% for full-time undergraduates. This figure surpasses the average retention rate of 74% for similar Masters Colleges and Universities, highlighting SCU's success in retaining its students.
Costs and Financial Aid
Understanding the financial aspects of attending Santa Clara University is essential for prospective students and their families.
Tuition Costs
In 2023, the undergraduate tuition at Santa Clara University amounted to $58,587. This cost exceeds the national average of $24,575 for Masters Colleges and Universities by $34,012.
Average Net Price
The average net price, which reflects the cost of attendance after factoring in grants and loans, was $49,651 in 2023. Between 2022 and 2023, the average net price increased by 1.78%.
Other Student Expenses
In addition to tuition, students face other expenses, including:
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- Room and board: $17,448 per year (2023)
- Books and supplies: $1,152 per year (2023)
Financial Aid
In 2023, 75% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 24% received financial aid through loans. This represents a 4.17% increase compared to 2022, when 72% of undergraduates received financial aid.
Student Loan Default Rate
In 2021, the default rate for borrowers at Santa Clara University was 0%, with 0 out of 946 total borrowers defaulting on their loans.
Academic Outcomes
Examining graduation rates and degree information sheds light on the academic success of Santa Clara University students.
Graduation Rate
Approximately 85% of students graduating from Santa Clara University in 2023 completed their program within 100% of the "normal time" (i.e., 4 years for a 4-year degree). Moreover, 91% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time. The four-year graduation rate is 83%.
Degrees Awarded
In 2023, Santa Clara University awarded 2,972 degrees across all undergraduate and graduate programs. Women received 53.6% of these degrees, while men received 46.4%. The most common race/ethnicity group among degree recipients was White (1,033 degrees), followed by Asian (570 degrees).
Majors
The most common bachelor's degree concentration at Santa Clara University in 2023 was General Finance, with 164 degrees awarded. The most specialized majors, meaning they have significantly more degrees awarded in that concentration than the national average across all institutions, are Legal (238 degrees awarded), Engineering (508 degrees), and Theology (54 degrees).
Rankings and Reputation
Santa Clara University consistently receives recognition for its academic excellence and overall quality.
- In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Santa Clara University is ranked No. 63 in National Universities and No. 17 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
- Forbes ranked Santa Clara University 61st out of the top 500 rated private and public colleges and universities in America for the 2024-25 report.
- PayScale ranked Santa Clara 7th in "Best Universities For a Bachelor's Degree" in 2025.
Additional Information
- The student-faculty ratio at Santa Clara University is 10:1.
- The university utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar.
- Santa Clara University accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy.
- Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $91,198.
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