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California State University-Dominguez Hills vs Santa Clara University

California State University-Dominguez Hills is a public university in Carson, CA, and Santa Clara University is a private university in Santa Clara, CA. Santa Clara University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 48% of applicants against 93% at California State University-Dominguez Hills. California State University-Dominguez Hills is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $8,615 a year against $50,062 at Santa Clara University. About 88% of students graduate at Santa Clara University, compared with 45% at California State University-Dominguez Hills. Ten years after enrolling, Santa Clara University alumni earn a median of about $109,183, against $57,162 for California State University-Dominguez Hills.

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA · Public

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Carson, CA
Santa Clara, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
12,538
6,552
Acceptance rate
93%
48%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.05–3.55
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
760–950
1350–1490
ACT (middle 50%)
13–18
31–33
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$8,615
$50,062
Full cost / yr
$23,191
$82,026
In-state tuition
$7,449
$61,293
Out-of-state tuition
$20,049
$61,293
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,303
$22,985
$30k - $48k
$8,090
$19,154
$48k - $75k
$8,855
$26,531
$75k - $110k
$12,323
$37,219
Over $110k
$18,947
$60,678
Outcomes
Graduation rate
45%
88%
Freshman retention
74%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,827
$91,198
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,162
$109,183
Median debt at graduation
$13,807
$19,162
Student body
Pell grant recipients
63%
11%
First-generation students
59%
17%
International students
1%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 7

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is California State University-Dominguez Hills or Santa Clara University harder to get into?
Santa Clara University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 93% at California State University-Dominguez Hills. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, California State University-Dominguez Hills or Santa Clara University?
California State University-Dominguez Hills is cheaper on average. Students pay about $8,615 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $50,062 at Santa Clara University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at California State University-Dominguez Hills and Santa Clara University?
Before aid, California State University-Dominguez Hills costs about $23,191 a year and Santa Clara University about $82,026. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, California State University-Dominguez Hills or Santa Clara University?
California State University-Dominguez Hills. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,303 there, against about $22,985 at Santa Clara University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, California State University-Dominguez Hills or Santa Clara University?
California State University-Dominguez Hills is the larger of the two, with about 12,538 undergraduates against 6,552 at Santa Clara University.
Does California State University-Dominguez Hills or Santa Clara University have a better graduation rate?
Santa Clara University has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 45% at California State University-Dominguez Hills.
Do graduates of California State University-Dominguez Hills or Santa Clara University earn more?
Santa Clara University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $109,183 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,162 for California State University-Dominguez Hills. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California State University-Dominguez Hills and Santa Clara University require SAT or ACT scores?
California State University-Dominguez Hills is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Santa Clara University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do California State University-Dominguez Hills and Santa Clara University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 760–950 at California State University-Dominguez Hills and 1350–1490 at Santa Clara University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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