Santa Clara University Admissions 2026: Acceptance Rate & Admission Deadlines

Are you considering Santa Clara University for your higher education journey? Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the Santa Clara University admission process attracts thousands of ambitious students each year. 

With a 90% graduation rate and median starting pay around $72K, SCU sets students up for academic success and career growth. As a prestigious Jesuit institution with a rich history dating back to 1851, Santa Clara combines academic excellence with a commitment to social justice and innovation. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the application process, including Santa Clara University deadlines, requirements, and tips to improve your chances of acceptance.

About Santa Clara University

Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University is the oldest operating institution of higher learning in California. Its campus is built around the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asís, which dates back to 1777.

With approximately 6,115 undergraduate and 3,063 graduate students, Santa Clara provides a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a comprehensive educational experience in a close-knit community setting. The university is recognized for its strong academics, with U.S. News & World Report ranking SCU 63rd among national universities in 2024.

Santa Clara Admissions

Here are the admission requirements for first-year undergraduate programs at SCU:

Required Documents

• Completed Common Application
• Official academic transcript (grades 9-12)
• One Academic Teacher Evaluation or Counselor Recommendation
• Secondary School Report
• Mid-Year Report (for Regular Decision applicants)
• $70 non-refundable application fee (or eligible fee waiver)

SCU has adopted a test-optional policy for first-year applicants until 2026. This means SAT or ACT scores are not required, and students who choose not to submit test scores will not be disadvantaged in the admission or merit scholarship review processes.

Santa Clara University Application Process

The Santa Clara University application process is different for undergraduate and graduate programs. Follow the relevant steps below based on your academic level and program of interest.

Undergraduate Programs Application Process

1. Create a Common App Account

All first-year applicants must use the Common App to create an account and add Santa Clara University to their college list. 

2. Select Your Academic School/College

When applying, you’ll need to choose between:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• Leavey School of Business
• School of Engineering

You can either declare a specific major or remain undeclared within your chosen school.‍

3. Choose Your Application Track

• Early Decision I (binding): For students who have decided that SCU is their first-choice school.
• Early Decision II (binding): Similar to ED I, but with a later deadline.
• Early Action (non-binding): Allows you to receive an early decision without committing to enroll.
• Regular Decision : The standard application timeline

4. Complete The Common Application

Fill out all required sections of the Common Application, including:

• Personal information
• Family information
• Education background

5. Write Your Common App Essay 

Select one of the Common Application essay prompts and write a thoughtful, personal essay of 650 words or fewer.

6. Request Letters of Recommendation

Ask either a counselor or an academic teacher to submit a letter of recommendation through the Common Application system.

7. Submit Official Transcripts

Request your high school to send official academic transcripts covering grades 9 through the most recently completed term.

8. Submit Application Fee or Waiver

Pay the $70 non-refundable application fee or submit a valid fee waiver (Common App, NACAC, or College Board).

9. Submit Test Scores (Optional)

If you choose to have test scores considered, ensure tests are taken by:

• October (SAT) or September (ACT) for Early Decision I/Early Action
• December (SAT/ACT) for Regular Decision/Early Decision II

You can self-report scores through the Santa Clara University application portal or send official scores directly from the testing agency.

After submitting your application, you’ll receive credentials to log into SCU’s application status portal. Regularly check this portal for updates on your application status, missing documents, and eventually your admission decision.

Graduate Programs Application Process

1. Create an Online Application

Visit the Santa Clara University graduate application portal and create your account.

2. Select Your School and Program

Choose from the available programs offered by:

• The Leavey School of Business: Offers various graduate programs, including MBA, MS in Information Systems, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Finance and Analytics, and MS in Marketing.
• School of Engineering: The School of Engineering offers master’s, engineer’s, and doctoral degrees across various disciplines, including Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and more.

3. Prepare Application Materials

• Resume/CV
• Personal statement or statement of purpose (up to 500 words)
• Contact details for recommenders
  Master’s: Two lettersPh.D. / Engineer’s: Three letters
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• GMAT/GRE scores (if required or optional, depending on the program)

4. Additional Documents for International Applicants

• Academic records evaluated by a NACES member
• English proficiency scores: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo
• A GMAT/GRE verbal score above the 50th percentile can waive the English test requirement

5. Submit Application and Pay Fee

Complete the application and pay the non-refundable fee

• $95 standard fee
• Fee waived for SCU Alumni Pathway applicants (Leavey)

6. Interview (If Applicable)

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a virtual or in-person interview.

7. Check Application Status & Decision

After submission, you’ll receive portal credentials for updates, enrollment details, and orientation guidance.

8. Special Application Tracks:

• B.S./M.S. Program: SCU undergraduates can explore the accelerated 5-year program option
• Certificate Programs: Note that these are not available for students seeking an F-1 Visa

After receiving an admission decision, accepted students will receive information about enrollment steps, orientation, and academic advising.

Santa Clara University Application Deadline

Santa Clara University application deadlines vary based on the admission track you choose:

MBA programs typically have multiple application rounds:

• Fall: Round 1 (April 1), Round 2 (June 1)
• Winter (MSIS only): October 15

Santa Clara University Acceptance Rate

The Santa Clara University acceptance rate is approximately 44%, according to the most recent class profile. This makes SCU a moderately selective institution. 

The University of Santa Clara acceptance rate reflects the competitive nature of the admission process, where academic performance is prioritized alongside extracurricular activities and personal qualities.

For graduate programs, Santa Clara acceptance rates vary by school and program. The Leavey School of Business and the School of Engineering tend to be the most competitive, with higher GPA requirements (3.5+) for admission.

International Student Requirements

International students applying to SCU must meet additional requirements:

• Evidence of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo tests
• Financial resource documentation
• For students with foreign transcripts: evaluation by a NACES member organization
• Compliance with visa requirements

Experiencing SCU firsthand through a Santa Clara University tour can provide valuable insights into campus culture and facilities. During a campus visit, you can meet with admission counselors, interact with current students, and explore academic departments relevant to your interests.

Verified Student Housing Near Santa Clara University

Once you've secured your Santa Clara University admission, finding the right accommodation becomes a priority. While the university houses approximately 49% of undergraduates in campus facilities, many students choose to live off-campus, especially after their first year.

Amber offers a wide range of verified off-campus housing options near Santa Clara University tailored specifically for SCU students. From shared apartments to studio flats, you'll find accommodations that meet your preferences and budget. Being a student-friendly state that welcomes a huge flock of international students every year, it is extremely easy to find the ideal off-campus housing in the top cities of California.

Explore now!

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