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Santa Clara University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Santa Clara University accepts 48% of applicants. It is a private university in Santa Clara, California, with about 6,552 undergraduates. The sticker price is $82,959 a year, but after aid the average family pays $50,570.

48%Acceptance rate
1350–1490Middle 50% SAT
31–33Middle 50% ACT
$50,570Average cost after aid / year
87%Graduation rate
$96,609Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for Santa Clara University?

Admitly estimates a typical applicant needs about a 3.8 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 66%.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Santa Clara University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1410, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPAEstimated chance
3.08% Reach
3.318% Reach
3.529% Reach
3.743% Target
3.958% Target
4.066% Target

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at Santa Clara University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $82,959 a year including room and board.

Family incomeCost per year
Under $50k$22,700
$50k – $100k$25,400
$100k – $150k$40,200
$150k – $250k$68,200
Over $250k$74,500

Outcomes

87%Finish their degree
94%Return for second year
$96,609Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Santa Clara University

What is the acceptance rate at Santa Clara University?

Santa Clara University admits 48% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Santa Clara University?

Admitly estimates a typical applicant needs about a 3.8 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 66%. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Santa Clara University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1350–1490 on the SAT and 31–33 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Santa Clara University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $82,959 a year including room and board, but the average family pays $50,570 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $22,700.

What is the graduation rate at Santa Clara University?

87% of students finish their degree, and 94% return for a second year.

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