top of page
Search Schools

Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA, USA
ACTIVISM AT [INSERT SCHOOL NAME]
Value Reasoning

Santa Clara University's campus features traditional Mission-style architecture and modern amenities nestled within California's Silicon Valley. Take a virtual tour to experience its blend of historic charm and technological innovation!

Santa Clara University competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the West Coast Conference. The university fields 20 varsity teams, with notable success in sports such as men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball, and men's basketball. The Broncos have a particularly strong soccer program, with the men's team winning a national championship in 2019 and the women's team consistently ranking among the top programs nationally. Santa Clara's athletic facilities include the Leavey Center for basketball and volleyball, Stevens Stadium for soccer, and the recently renovated Stephen Schott Stadium for baseball, providing excellent venues for both athletes and fans.

West, Suburb: Santa Clara University maintains a beautiful Mission-style campus in the heart of Silicon Valley, California. Its palm trees, historic buildings, and proximity to tech giants create a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Students benefit from the university's strong connections to industry and its focus on social justice.

For the most accurate and up-to-date cost of attendance, please click the link below!
At Santa Clara University, approximately 72% of undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. The university offers several merit-based scholarships, including the Presidential Scholarship, which covers full tuition for exceptional students, and the Provost Scholarship, which provides significant tuition assistance. Santa Clara also offers specific scholarships such as the Johnson Scholarship for students from historically underrepresented groups and the LEAD Scholars Program for first-generation college students.


Santa Clara University offers a vibrant fine and performing arts program through its Department of Art and Art History, Department of Music, and Department of Theatre and Dance. The university's state-of-the-art facilities include the de Saisset Museum, which hosts rotating exhibitions and houses a permanent collection of California art. The Music Recital Hall and Louis B. Mayer Theatre provide excellent venues for student performances, concerts, and theatrical productions throughout the academic year. Santa Clara's arts programs emphasize both creative expression and critical thinking, with opportunities for students to engage in various disciplines such as studio art, art history, music performance, composition, theatre, and dance. The university also hosts numerous arts events open to the public, fostering a strong connection between campus and community through the arts.

Greek Life at Santa Clara University is moderate, with about 15% of students participating. The university hosts 8 fraternities and 6 sororities, focusing on leadership, service, and academic excellence within its Jesuit tradition.

Santa Clara University places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, with a robust internship program for undergraduate students. The university's Career Center facilitates connections with numerous companies in Silicon Valley and beyond, offering students unique opportunities in tech, finance, non-profits, and other industries. Many academic departments also have internship coordinators who help students find field-specific opportunities, with some majors requiring internships as part of the curriculum. Santa Clara's location in the heart of Silicon Valley provides students with unparalleled access to internships at leading tech companies, startups, and other innovative organizations, giving them valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities.

Santa Clara University offers a diverse array of undergraduate majors across its six schools and colleges, with over 50 programs to choose from. Popular majors include Business (particularly Finance and Marketing), Engineering (with specializations like Computer Science and Electrical Engineering), and Communications. The university also offers unique interdisciplinary majors such as Environmental Studies and Sciences, Public Health Science, and Web Design and Engineering, reflecting its commitment to addressing contemporary challenges through a well-rounded education.

A college campus might lean a certain way politically, but the surrounding community can have a very different cultural and political vibe. Exploring the area beyond campus can give you a better picture of the local political landscape. Use the link below to research the location of any college you're considering.

Santa Clara University strongly encourages undergraduate research across all disciplines. The university's Office of Student and Faculty Research supports numerous research initiatives, including the Summer Research Program, which provides stipends for students to conduct full-time research projects under faculty mentorship. Many departments offer research-intensive courses and independent study options, allowing students to delve deeper into their areas of interest. Santa Clara also hosts an annual Undergraduate Research Showcase, where students present their findings to the campus community, fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation.

Feeling safe on campus is important—it allows you to focus on your studies, make friends, and enjoy college life without unnecessary stress. Look for schools with strong safety measures so you can feel confident in your choice.

Santa Clara University is a medium school with approximately 5,700 undergraduate students on campus.

Santa Clara University boasts a vibrant campus life with over 150 student-run organizations catering to a wide range of interests. These clubs span various categories, including academic, cultural, religious, service-oriented, and recreational groups. Popular organizations include the Associated Student Government, the Santa Clara Community Action Program (SCCAP) for community service, and the Multicultural Center, which hosts numerous cultural clubs. The university also offers unique opportunities like the Bronco Urban Gardens program and the Santa Clara Review literary magazine, allowing students to engage in hands-on experiences aligned with their passions and academic interests.

Santa Clara has a diverse student body. White students comprise around 44% of the population, followed by notable Asian (19%) and Hispanic/Latino (around 16%) populations. Santa Clara also has smaller populations of Black/African American and multiracial students. It draws a national student body, with a strong focus on California.

Santa Clara University offers a variety of on-campus housing options to accommodate students throughout their academic journey. First-year students typically live in one of eight Residential Learning Communities (RLCs), which are themed living environments that combine academics, community engagement, and social activities. Upperclassmen have access to apartment-style housing, including the recently constructed Finn Residences and the Neighborhood Units.
Dining at Santa Clara is centered around the Benson Memorial Center, which houses the main dining hall and offers a diverse array of meal options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. The campus also features several retail dining locations, such as Mission Bakery & Cafe and the Bronco Corner Market for grab-and-go items.
Santa Clara utilizes a flexible meal plan system, with various options available to suit different student needs and preferences. The university is committed to sustainability in its dining services, focusing on locally sourced ingredients and implementing eco-friendly practices in food preparation and waste management. Additionally, the Bronco Pantry program provides free food and resources to students experiencing food insecurity, reflecting the university's commitment to supporting all members of its community.

Santa Clara University offers a comprehensive academic program with over 50 majors and 40 minors across its six schools and colleges. Popular majors include Business Administration, Computer Science, and Psychology, while the university also provides unique interdisciplinary options such as Public Health Science and Environmental Studies and Sciences. Students have the flexibility to combine majors and minors from different schools, allowing for a personalized and well-rounded education that aligns with their interests and career goals.


Santa Clara University offers the LEAD Scholars Program, a comprehensive program that provides first-generation college students with academic, personal, and financial support. The university also offers various need-based scholarships and grants, such as the Santa Clara Grant and the California Dream Act.

Are you curious about admission data at this school? Check it out, but remember that you are so much more than a number.

bottom of page