Santa Clara University

Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University (SCU) is a private Catholic institution, located in Santa Clara, California. Just an hour from San Francisco, SCU is set in the heart of Silicon Valley. It is known for its excellent science and technology education and its commitment to sustainability. Notable alumni include former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, former Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer, and bestselling author Khaled Hosseini.

Ranked 58 nationwide, SCU’s acceptance rate is 51%, and its graduation rate is 90%. Annual tuition is $55,224, plus fees. A total of 8,616 students are enrolled, and the student to faculty ratio is 11:1. SCU offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, and over 30 graduate programs. The university follows a quarter-based academic calendar.

SCU’s campus stretches across 106 acres, and students enjoy over 300 days of sunshine per year. All freshmen and most sophomores live in SCU’s housing. Residence halls are theme-based, meaning the residential community is connected through a central interest, such as service or world issues. This gives students more opportunities to explore their passions with likeminded peers. Students can participate in more than 100 organizations and clubs, including 11 fraternities and sororities. Over 25% of students are involved in Greek Life. Honoring SCU’s Jesuit heritage, students make community service an important part of their activities. The Santa Clara Community Action Program provides 20 different service and social justice programs through which students can volunteer. SCU’s Broncos compete in the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference. They are known for their successful volleyball and soccer programs. Off campus, students can explore Santa Clara, neighboring cities in the Silicon Valley, or bustling San Francisco. Palo Alto and San Jose are also popular destinations, offering a variety of restaurants, entertainment, and shopping.