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Santa Clara University vs Stanford University

Santa Clara University is a private university in Santa Clara, CA. Stanford University is a private university in Stanford, CA. Stanford University admits about 4% of applicants and Santa Clara University about 48%, making Stanford University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,807 a year at Stanford University after aid, and about $50,062 at Santa Clara University. About 92% of students graduate at Stanford University, compared with 88% at Santa Clara University. Ten years after enrolling, Stanford University alumni earn a median of about $124,080, against $109,183 for Santa Clara University.

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Santa Clara, CA
Stanford, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
6,552
7,554
Acceptance rate
48%
4%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1350–1490
1510–1580
ACT (middle 50%)
31–33
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$50,062
$13,807
Full cost / yr
$82,026
$87,833
In-state tuition
$61,293
$65,910
Out-of-state tuition
$61,293
$65,910
Application fee
$70
$90
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,985
$0*
$30k - $48k
$19,154
$0*
$48k - $75k
$26,531
$3,212
$75k - $110k
$37,219
$11,092
Over $110k
$60,678
$53,882
Outcomes
Graduation rate
88%
92%
Freshman retention
94%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$91,198
$102,887
Median earnings (10 yr)
$109,183
$124,080
Median debt at graduation
$19,162
$12,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
11%
19%
First-generation students
17%
30%
International students
7%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 7
Jan 5

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

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 Stanford University harder to get into?
Stanford University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% 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, Santa Clara University or Stanford University?
Stanford University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,807 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 Stanford University?
Before aid, Santa Clara University costs about $82,026 a year and Stanford University about $87,833. 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 Stanford University?
Stanford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,536 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 Stanford University?
Stanford University is the larger of the two, with about 7,554 undergraduates against 6,552 at Santa Clara University.
Does Santa Clara University or Stanford University have a better graduation rate?
Stanford University has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 88% at Santa Clara University.
Do graduates of Santa Clara University or Stanford University earn more?
Stanford University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $124,080 ten years after enrolling, against about $109,183 for Santa Clara University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Santa Clara University and Stanford University require SAT or ACT scores?
Santa Clara University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Stanford University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Santa Clara University and Stanford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1350–1490 at Santa Clara University and 1510–1580 at Stanford 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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