University of Santa Clara Acceptance Rate 2023

Santa Clara University is a private university located in California, United States. Still standing after 171 years, it is considered the oldest operating university in California.

The University has six colleges and also offers Bachelor’s, Master and Doctoral degrees. Santa Clara University is a private corporation owned and governed by a privately appointed board of trustees composed of 44 members.

If you’re aiming to get admitted into Santa Clara University soon, you’ll find this article helpful.

Santa Clara University’s Colleges

Santa Clara is divided into one College and six schools and all schools are proudly led by academic deans.

College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences offers Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees.

School of Education and Counselling

The School of Education, Counseling Psychology, and Pastoral Ministries was created in 2001, merging graduate programs in Education, Counseling Psychology, and Pastoral Ministries. Approximately 800 graduate students are enrolled in the school, with 200 studying psychology, 400 studying education, and the remainder studying pastoral ministries.

SCU Leavey School of Business

The Leavey School of Business was founded in 1923 and accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in 1953. Students earn a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Master of Business Administration, Executive Master of Business Administration, and Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS).

School of Engineering

The School of Engineering began offering bachelor’s degrees in 1912.

In a way to meet the growing need for expert engineers, the school added Master and Doctoral programs.

The school provides its graduates the opportunity to work in high-tech companies alongside government institutions.

Jesuit School of Theology

Jesuit School of Theology was founded in 1934 and came together with Santa Clara University in 2009.

The Jesuit School of Theology is a Divinity School of Santa Clara University and one of the member colleges of the Graduate Theological Union.

School of Law

The School of Law was founded in 1911. The school offers several double degree programs, including Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Information Systems which are also offered by Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business.

The school also offers Master of Laws degree in Intellectual Property (which is ranked 6th in the nation), Public law, and Social Justice law.

University of Santa Clara Acceptance Rate

Santa Clara ranks number 32 for the lowest acceptance rate in California.

The acceptance rate at Santa Clara University is 51% and is considered more selective.

The early acceptance rate is 71.4%.

SAT Range

1270 – 1450

Estimated chance of acceptance by SAT score

SAT scores of 1450 and Above has a>66% admission chance.

SAT score from 1360 to 1450 is considered average + and has a 51%-66% admission chance.

SAT scores from 1270 to 1360 is considered average – and has a 35%-51% admission chance.

SAT scores from 1180 to 1270 and has a 22-25% admission chance.

SAT score of Less than 1180 is considered Low and has below 22% admission chance.

ACT Range

28 – 32

Estimated chance of acceptance by ACT score

32 and Above has >66% admission chance.

30 to 32 have a 51%-66% admission chance.

28 to 30 have a 35% – 51% admission chance.

26 to 28 has a 22%-35% admission chance.

Less than 26 have a <22% admission chance.

The acceptance rate for International students

Santa Clara University’s acceptance rate for international students is 48.2% this is a result of the University’s competitive admission process.

Accepted GPA in Santa Clara University

Santa Clara’s admissions officials consider GPA as a very important factor in academics.

The average GPA required at Santa Clara University is 3.67. Some schools have specific GPA requirements.

Arts and Sciences 3.46-3.88    

School of Business 3.58-3.87

School of Engineering 3.65-3.92

What are the admission requirements of Santa Clara University?

• Average GPA of 3.67
• Letter of recommendation
• High School Transcript
• SAT
• CTA
• High school rank

Admission Requirements for International Students

International students need a cumulative GPA of 3.4 to 3.8 (90-93%) on a scale of 4.0 to gain admission to Santa Clara University.

Students need a TOEFL score of 90 or equivalent for admission to the undergraduate programs at Santa Clara University. For graduate programs, the minimum TOEFL score requirement varies from 79 to 100.

Is Santa Clara difficult to get into?

Admission into Santa Clara can be competitive and one of the major things they consider is how you meet all the expected requirements such as Grades, Test scores, Extracurricular activities, etc.

According to 2020 – 2021 Santa Clara University’s Data Set, some requirements are grouped into categories.

Very important

GPA

Essay

Important

Class rank

Test scores

Recommendation

Extracurricular activities

Talent

Character

First generation

Legacy

Racial/ethnic status

Volunteer work

Considered

Geographic residence

State residency

Religious affiliation

Work experience

Applicant interest

Putting these factors into consideration will help you know where to channel your strength more.

How does Santa Clara review applicants?

Santa Clara University rates three factors as being “very important, important, and considered” in their admission process.

Straight from the Santa Clara University admissions quarter:

“When we review your application we will consider several elements, from your academic performance and grades, recommendations, activities outside the classroom, life experiences, and if reported, test scores. Our goal is to gain a sense of who you are as a person and as a scholar.”

“While the selectivity between our schools and programs does not vary greatly, academic readiness for the program of interest will be gauged based on your expressed interest. For natural science, business, and engineering applicants, readiness at the level of calculus is expected.”

“Without test scores, your GPA and course rigor are increasingly important components of the academic side of your application. Not only do we want to see that you have excelled in your classes, but we also want to see that you’ve challenged yourself academically by taking advanced courses like honors, IB, AP, or dual-enrollment courses your school offers.”

Santa Clara University Rankings

• In 2019, the yearly ranking of U.S. News & World Report categorizes Santa Clara University as ‘more selective’.
• In the 2021 ranking of national universities, Santa Clara University tied for 53rd overall and tied for 25th for best undergraduate teaching – U.S. News
•  In 2020 U.S. News & World Report also ranked the School of Engineering tied for 133rd among 218 engineering schools that grant doctoral degrees.
• In 2016, Bloomberg Businessweek ranked The undergraduate business program as 51st in the nation.
• In 2017, Money Magazine ranked the Leavey School of Business tenth in the nation, Santa Clara was ranked No. 318 out of 569.

FAQs

What are the most popular majors at Santa Clara University?

The most popular majors at Santa Clara University include:

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Social Sciences; Engineering; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Psychology; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Health Professions and Related Programs; Visual and Performing Arts; and Natural Resources and Conservation.

What is so special about Santa Clara University?

Santa Clara University prepares its students to think critically, take risks and take charge. Santa Clara specializes in preparing students to land their dream internships, dream jobs, or prepare for their graduate program.

How do I improve my chances of getting into Santa Clara University?

To improve your chances, you need to have a strong GPA, write engaging essays, Aim for 1430 on SAT and 32 on the ACT, have a strong recommendation and portfolio of extracurricular activities, and lastly, be among the early decision.

Does Santa Clara University accept international students?

The answer is yes. Every year, Santa Clara admits close to 1500 international students.

How do I send my TOEFL and IELTS score?

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores should be sent directly from the testing agency to Santa Clara University School of Education.

What is the minimum accepted score for IELTS?

The minimum accepted score for IELTS is 6.5

Conclusion

Santa Clara is a great school that has the best interest of her student at heart.

Santa Clara University is also a sport-oriented university. The sports team is called the Broncos. The Broncos have won National Collegiate Athletic Association championships in both men’s and women’s soccer.

If you want a school that’d stretch you and makes you think on your feet, you will want to consider going to Santa Clara University.

Find up-to-date acceptance rates for all Universities and Colleges here.