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Santa Clara University vs California State University-Channel Islands

Santa Clara University is a private university in Santa Clara, CA, and California State University-Channel Islands is a public university in Camarillo, CA. Santa Clara University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 48% of applicants against 95% at California State University-Channel Islands. California State University-Channel Islands is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,849 a year against $50,062 at Santa Clara University. About 88% of students graduate at Santa Clara University, compared with 52% at California State University-Channel Islands. Ten years after enrolling, Santa Clara University alumni earn a median of about $109,183, against $62,152 for California State University-Channel Islands.

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private

California State University-Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Santa Clara, CA
Camarillo, CA
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
6,552
5,013
Acceptance rate
48%
95%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.21–3.71
SAT (middle 50%)
1350–1490
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
31–33
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$50,062
$9,849
Full cost / yr
$82,026
$23,561
In-state tuition
$61,293
$7,159
Out-of-state tuition
$61,293
$19,759
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,985
$6,857
$30k - $48k
$19,154
$7,083
$48k - $75k
$26,531
$9,083
$75k - $110k
$37,219
$12,286
Over $110k
$60,678
$20,473
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
52%
Freshman retention
94%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$91,198
$46,785
Median earnings (10 yr)
$109,183
$62,152
Median debt at graduation
$19,162
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
11%
47%
First-generation students
17%
51%
International students
7%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 7
Mar 2

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 Santa Clara University or California State University-Channel Islands harder to get into?
Santa Clara University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 95% at California State University-Channel Islands. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Santa Clara University or California State University-Channel Islands?
California State University-Channel Islands is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,849 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 Santa Clara University and California State University-Channel Islands?
Before aid, California State University-Channel Islands costs about $23,561 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, Santa Clara University or California State University-Channel Islands?
California State University-Channel Islands. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,857 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, Santa Clara University or California State University-Channel Islands?
Santa Clara University is the larger of the two, with about 6,552 undergraduates against 5,013 at California State University-Channel Islands.
Does Santa Clara University or California State University-Channel Islands have a better graduation rate?
Santa Clara University has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 52% at California State University-Channel Islands.
Do graduates of Santa Clara University or California State University-Channel Islands earn more?
Santa Clara University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $109,183 ten years after enrolling, against about $62,152 for California State University-Channel Islands. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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