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Pacific Union College vs Santa Clara University

Pacific Union College is a private college in Angwin, CA, and Santa Clara University is a private university in Santa Clara, CA. Pacific Union College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 47% of applicants against 48% at Santa Clara University. Pacific Union College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $41,008 a year against $50,062 at Santa Clara University. About 88% of students graduate at Santa Clara University, compared with 55% at Pacific Union College. Ten years after enrolling, Santa Clara University alumni earn a median of about $109,183, against $70,484 for Pacific Union College.

Pacific Union College

Angwin, CA · Private

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Angwin, CA
Santa Clara, CA
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
805
6,552
Acceptance rate
47%
48%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.3–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1190
1350–1490
ACT (middle 50%)
20–24
31–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,008
$50,062
Full cost / yr
$49,404
$82,026
In-state tuition
$37,173
$61,293
Out-of-state tuition
$37,173
$61,293
Application fee
Not reported
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$41,008
$22,985
$30k - $48k
Not reported
$19,154
$48k - $75k
Not reported
$26,531
$75k - $110k
Not reported
$37,219
Over $110k
Not reported
$60,678
Outcomes
Graduation rate
55%
88%
Freshman retention
89%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,713
$91,198
Median earnings (10 yr)
$70,484
$109,183
Median debt at graduation
$27,500
$19,162
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
11%
First-generation students
26%
17%
International students
3%
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 Pacific Union College or Santa Clara University harder to get into?
Pacific Union College is harder to get into. It admits about 47% of applicants, compared with 48% 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.
Which is cheaper, Pacific Union College or Santa Clara University?
Pacific Union College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $41,008 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 Pacific Union College and Santa Clara University?
Before aid, Pacific Union College costs about $49,404 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, Pacific Union College or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $22,985 there, against about $41,008 at Pacific Union College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Pacific Union College or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University is the larger of the two, with about 6,552 undergraduates against 805 at Pacific Union College.
Does Pacific Union College or Santa Clara University have a better graduation rate?
Santa Clara University has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 55% at Pacific Union College.
Do graduates of Pacific Union College 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 $70,484 for Pacific Union College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pacific Union College and Santa Clara University require SAT or ACT scores?
Pacific Union College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Santa Clara University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Pacific Union College and Santa Clara University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1190 at Pacific Union College and 1350–1490 at Santa Clara University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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