Santa Clara University: insights

Santa Clara University

What Santa Clara University's own numbers say, from its Common Data Set 2025-26.

InternationalSanta Clara University

29% of international applicants are admitted, against 48% overall.

Overall48%

International29%

Source: Santa Clara University's Common Data Set 2025-26

Who says yesSanta Clara University

Only 17% of admits enroll, so Santa Clara University admits far more students than it has seats.

Enroll17%

Go elsewhere83%

Source: Santa Clara University's Common Data Set 2025-26

Test scoresSanta Clara University

29% sent an SAT and 9% an ACT (some sent both), so most enrolled without a score. SAT middle 50% among those who sent: 1330–1470.

Sent an SAT29%

Sent an ACT9%

Source: Santa Clara University's Common Data Set 2025-26

Early Decision filled about 28% of the 2025-26 first-year class, less than most similar colleges.
ED applicants were admitted at 76%, against 47.0% for everyone else: 1.6 times the rate.
After ED, 1,174 of 1,641 seats were left for 19,421 other applicants: about one seat for every 17.
Only 29% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score, so its SAT range describes a minority of the class.
Applications rose 23% from 2018-19 to 2025-26 (16,242 to 20,032).

From students' own posts on Reddit and admissions forums: self-reported, unverified, never used in your odds.

Nearly all admits who named a round applied early: 27 of 29 (26 Early Action, 1 Early Decision); only 2 applied Regular Decision.
Many admits applying to tech, CS or engineering had built real projects, such as apps, patents, startups, internships or university research.
Many admits held leadership roles such as club president, team captain or student government officer, often for multiple years.
Many admits founded something, like a startup, nonprofit, club, online business or free program.
Many admits did steady service, from 15 hours a week to 300+ total hours, such as tutoring, senior living, disability programs or hospitals.
Students report the early round is a big advantage: Early Decision admit rates are cited around 80% versus 46% for regular applicants.
Students report Early Action deferrals are common and several deferred applicants were later admitted in the regular round.
Students report the school matters: business expects strong math, and moving between schools later is hard.
Students report aid is mixed, from a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship to no scholarship, and Santa Clara can still cost more than public options.
Students report Santa Clara offers no need-based aid to international students.