About

See what students say:

Academics

Situated "at the heart of Silicon Valley," Santa Clara University is a Jesuit school with "rigorous but rewarding [courses]," a place where "you'll never meet more passionate, more intelligent, and often down-to-earth professors." Thanks to small class sizes, professors remain "accessible"; as one student puts it: "I have had a real relationship with every one of my professors at SCU." Meanwhile, the school administration is "great at listening to and implementing student feedback" and "welcomes students to talk with people in high positions of power." There's also an appreciated "openness of the students and faculty to consider new possibilities in academia" and one student notes being "challenged to extend my thinking in every class."

Of the various majors, students speak fondly of the "massive array of classes and professors" in the business school, and the many connections offered from faculty "[that] are CEOs and founders that relate the material we learn to their experiences." Other programs students spoke affectionately of are those for "top tier" accounting, "amazing" public health, and both computer and environmental science. Enrollees appreciate that the school is keeping with the times-a 2021 science building is described as having "awesome, stateof-the-art equipment"-and overall sum up their experience as "perfect, I love it."

Student Body

Santa Clara University attracts students that are "smart, dedicated, funny, committed, [and] intelligent." While students are "focused on academics"-as one puts it, "People like to have fun, but only after the work is finished"-they "definitely prioritize having a good time." There is a "good sense of community" on campus, but also "enough harmless shenanigans (lightsaber fights in the cafeteria, Shakespeare flash mobs, etc.)" to ensure you're "having a really fun college experience." "Everyone here is quite relaxed and happy," explains one student. It's not that people aren't academically focused, "they just know how to balance work and school well." The school is fairly diverse in ethnicity, but some students note an "overwhelmingly upper-middle class" vibe. This may just be part of the easy-going atmosphere, however, given that 75% of students are reported to receive aid. At any rate, these "hardworking [students are] always open to help someone," so much so that a first-year "automatically felt at home at Santa Clara because of the warm and welcoming community."

Campus Life

On evenings and weekends, "Santa Clara students can be seen at local restaurants, bars, parties, golfing, or just having fun with friends." Fraternities and sororities are independent from the university, but are "huge" and "everywhere," perhaps contributing to the "big party culture at SCU." Additionally, "there are multiple social activities and events hosted by clubs and other organizations on campus almost every day of the week, and clubs do their best to be readily accessible to nonmembers." One student particularly loves the Investment Fund, "a student-led club that invests a portion of the university's endowment." There's also plenty to do even from the comfort of a residence hall, from pool to ping pong and foosball.

Students rave about the intramural sports available on SCU's "gorgeous" campus, including soccer, volleyball, flag football, and water polo. Though some admit it can be challenging to explore neighboring areas without a car, many value both the urban and wilderness adventures SCU's Northern California location provides. "I love the hiking and backpacking club called 'Into the Wild,' which takes students to local scenery," says one student. Others share that weekend adventures to the beach in Santa Cruz or enjoying the nightlife in San Francisco make for excellent SCU memories.

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Undergraduate Admissions

Address
Undergraduate Admissions
500 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053

Phone
(408) 554-4700

Email
Admission@scu.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Historic Mission Church; Mission Gardens
Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation
Harrington Learning Commons, Sobrato Technology Center and Orradre Library
Benson Memorial Student Center
Dowd Art and Art History Building
Santa Clara University is a comprehensive Jesuit, Catholic university located forty miles south of San Francisco in Silicon Valley. We?ll challenge you to think critically, take risks, and take charge within a dynamic and caring community, with more than fifty majors, numerous interdisciplinary programs, and some 3,750 courses from which to choose. There?s something special about living and learning in one of the most innovative places on Earth, where more than 80 percent of our students have at least one internship before graduating and undergraduates conduct important research alongside professors in a way that is usually reserved for graduate students. The University blends a sense of tradition and history?as the oldest college in California?with a vision that values innovation and a deep commitment to social justice. SCU?s full-time faculty members include Fulbright professors, nationally recognized authors and poets, groundbreaking scientists, and highly regarded economic forecasters. We offer an experience so great that 93 percent of first-year students return for their sophomore year. People of all backgrounds flourish here. One thing they have in common? They want to make a difference. Santa Clara students are driven to build a better, kinder, more humane, and more sustainable planet. Distinguished nationally by one of the highest graduation rates, SCU provides rigorous undergraduate curricula in the arts and sciences, business, and engineering.

Most Popular Places Off Campus
SAP Center; home of the San Jose Sharks and the 2019 NHL All-Star Game
Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco; a vibrant and diverse city
Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Beaches
Santana Row Shopping and Dining Destination
Levi's Stadium, home to the SF 49ers
Santa Clara University is a comprehensive Jesuit, Catholic university located forty miles south of San Francisco in Silicon Valley. We?ll challenge you to think critically, take risks, and take charge within a dynamic and caring community, with more than fifty majors, numerous interdisciplinary programs, and some 3,750 courses from which to choose. There?s something special about living and learning in one of the most innovative places on Earth, where more than 80 percent of our students have at least one internship before graduating and undergraduates conduct important research alongside professors in a way that is usually reserved for graduate students. The University blends a sense of tradition and history?as the oldest college in California?with a vision that values innovation and a deep commitment to social justice. SCU?s full-time faculty members include Fulbright professors, nationally recognized authors and poets, groundbreaking scientists, and highly regarded economic forecasters. We offer an experience so great that 93 percent of first-year students return for their sophomore year. People of all backgrounds flourish here. One thing they have in common? They want to make a difference. Santa Clara students are driven to build a better, kinder, more humane, and more sustainable planet. Distinguished nationally by one of the highest graduation rates, SCU provides rigorous undergraduate curricula in the arts and sciences, business, and engineering.

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday

(408) 554-4700

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 2 hours

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
No

Information Sessions
Not Available

Times

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available

Arrangements
Contact Coach Directly

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available

Arrangements

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
San Jose International Airport is a 3-mile drive from campus. A free shuttle (VTA public bus #10) drops off visitors at campus entrance. Rental cars and taxis, are also available for the trip from airport to campus. San Francisco International Airport is 45 miles north of campus. From there, Airport Connection Shuttles take visitors to the San Jose airport; call 800-AIRPORT (from out of state) or 415-877-0903 (in California) for shuttle timetables and reservations. Amtrak trains serve San Jose; call 800-USA-RAIL for information. Greyhound buses also serve San Jose.

Driving Instructions to Campus
From U.S. 101 (Bayshore Freeway), take the Santa Clara/De La Cruz Blvd. exit. Proceed south 2 miles. As the road forks, keep to the right and follow the signs to the university. From I-880, take the Alameda/Santa Clara exit. Travel north one mile to campus. From I-280, proceed to the interchange with I-880. Take I-880 N. toward Oakland and take the Alameda/Santa Clara exit. The university is 1 mile north of the exit.

Local Accommodations
The Candlewood Suites (481 El Camino Real, Santa Clara; 408-241-9305) is located directly across the street from the University. Days Inn Santa Clara (859 El Camino Real; 408-244-2840) is located 5 blocks from the university. San Jose Hilton and Towers, (300 Almaden Blvd., San Jose; 408-287-2100), a 12-minute drive from campus.

Admissions

Applicants: 18,843
Acceptance Rate: 44%
Average HS GPA: 3.73







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