Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University (SCU) is a nonprofit Jesuit and Catholic university in Silicon Valley, with undergraduate study across the arts and sciences, business and engineering, plus graduate and professional schools. The 106-acre main campus combines a residential university with programs connected to the region’s technology, business and public-service sectors. Its quarter calendar moves quickly, and the university’s published 2026–27 undergraduate tuition is substantial; applicants should compare the full cost and actual aid offer before deciding that the location or scholarship name alone makes the investment affordable.

Degrees and academic options

SCU lists more than 50 majors and programs. Undergraduates can earn a B.A., B.S. or Bachelor of Science in Commerce in fields that include engineering, business, social sciences, humanities and the natural sciences. Graduate and professional options span the Leavey School of Business, School of Engineering, School of Education and Counseling Psychology, School of Law and Jesuit School of Theology. The main Santa Clara campus is the center for most programs; the Jesuit School of Theology is in Berkeley, while Education and Counseling Psychology also teaches at an East San Jose site. Use the university’s schools and academic programs directory to check the exact degree, prerequisites and campus for your intended course of study.

Admissions and financial aid

First-year applicants are automatically considered for SCU merit awards at admission; no separate application is required for the Presidential, Provost or Dean’s scholarships. The Presidential at Entry award can cover full tuition, and the Provost Scholarship can cover half tuition, subject to selection and renewal requirements. The competitive Johnson Scholars award can include full tuition, standard room and board, books and supplies, and requires early application plus the University Honors Program application. These are selective awards, not typical discounts for every student. Need-based assistance is considered through FAFSA and the CSS Profile; transfer and graduate aid follow different rules. Start with SCU’s undergraduate admissions information and merit scholarship requirements, and ask Financial Aid for a net-price estimate based on your household and program.

What the 2026–27 cost means

For full-time undergraduates taking at least 12 units, the 2026–27 tuition schedule lists $64,956 for the academic year. A standard double residence-hall room is listed at $13,383 annually; food, student fees, books, transportation, insurance and personal expenses add to the budget. Graduate tuition differs by school and program, with per-unit rates ranging from $728 in Pastoral Ministries to $1,581 in several Leavey programs. Don’t treat a merit award as the amount you will pay until you see its renewal conditions and how it combines with need-based aid. The University also uses a quarter system for most programs, while the Law School follows semesters, so check your program calendar before comparing annual totals. Current figures appear in the university’s tuition and fee schedules and annual cost-of-attendance estimates.

Campus, locations and visiting

Main campus: 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053-0015; main telephone (408) 554-4000. Campus tours can be booked online, and the university also permits self-guided visits. A visitor parking permit is required Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; the Undergraduate Admission Office closes at 5 p.m. East San Jose site: 14271 Story Road, San Jose, CA 95127, used by the School of Education and Counseling Psychology. Jesuit School of Theology: 1735 Le Roy Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709; telephone (510) 549-5000. For directions, parking instructions and a visit reservation, use the official campus visitor page before traveling.

Student life: strengths and trade-offs

Recent students often praise small classes, accessible professors, a welcoming campus and the professional connections available in Silicon Valley. Others point to the high price, limited dining variety and a social scene where Greek life can feel more visible than other communities; some also wish for greater diversity. Students’ experiences differ by school, residence and involvement, so ask about the particular major’s class sizes, housing availability and support services rather than assuming every program shares the same experience. You can read a broader mix of student reviews before making your campus visit and comparing financial-aid offers.