Private not-for-profit

Medium

West Coast Conference

Santa Clara University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1360 to 1480

ACT Range31 to 33

Average GPA3.72

Acceptance Rate48%

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.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Santa Clara University facts and stats

Quick Facts

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.

Location

Santa Clara, CA

Undergrad Enrollment6,577

Freshman Retention94%

SettingN/A

Student to Faculty Ratio11.3:1

Graduation Rate88%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Santa Clara?

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

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Key Santa Clara University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

January 7

Early Action

November 1

Early Decision

November 1

Priority Deadline

November 1

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

November 15

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

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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.

Tuition and Fees$61,293

Room and Board$19,893

Average Merit Award$16,788

Application Fee$70

Students on Aid35%

Average Aid Package$52,229

Average Debt at Grad$43,489

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.