Santa Clara University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Santa Clara is test-optional, but the students who do submit scores are aiming high: 24% submitted SAT scores, and the middle range is 1360–1480. If you can reach the upper half of that range, roughly 1420+, submitting your SAT can strengthen your application alongside a GPA near Santa Clara’s 3.72 average.
⬡ LangSmitha0e137e2-26f9-484e-8ab1-5f7a7f88659cData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Santa Clara University facts and stats
Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit university in Santa Clara, California, with 6,577 undergraduates. Santa Clara has a 94% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 88%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11.3:1.
⬡ LangSmithe3dce6f0-8b4e-4b28-9228-bb54e6b2982bSanta Clara, CA
How do your scores compare at Santa Clara?
Key Santa Clara University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 7
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
November 1
Financial Aid Priority
November 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Santa Clara, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes and superscoring. For the November 1 Early Decision and Early Action deadline, an October SAT or September ACT is typically the last retake that will arrive in time.
⬡ LangSmith6e4030c8-086c-4f66-ba7a-f0af9b56f69bWant to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Santa Clara University?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Santa Clara is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate applies to all students: $61,293. About 35% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $16,788. Submit the FAFSA by the November 15 priority deadline.
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Santa Clara’s listed cost of attendance is about $81,186, including $61,293 in tuition and fees and $19,893 for room and board. About 35% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $52,229. Merit awards average $16,788, with listed GPA thresholds starting at 3.00 for Provost and Dean’s scholarships and 3.50 for the Presidential scholarship. Graduates leave with an average debt of $43,489.
⬡ LangSmithacfccd3e-1055-4cc0-a20c-49fe0aeff144Student life at Santa Clara University
49% of undergrads live on campus
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 45.1%
SAT: 1280–1400
ACT: 28–32
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CAAcceptance rate: 61.7%
SAT: 1200–1380
ACT: 25–30
University of San Diego
San Diego, CAAcceptance rate: 52.4%
Soka University of America
Aliso Viejo, CAAcceptance rate: 43.6%
SAT: 1345–1493
ACT: 25–31
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