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University of San Diego vs Santa Clara University

University of San Diego is a private university in San Diego, CA. Santa Clara University is a private university in Santa Clara, CA. Santa Clara University admits about 48% of applicants and University of San Diego about 52%, making Santa Clara University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $30,365 a year at University of San Diego after aid, and about $50,062 at Santa Clara University. About 88% of students graduate at Santa Clara University, compared with 83% at University of San Diego. Ten years after enrolling, Santa Clara University alumni earn a median of about $109,183, against $86,522 for University of San Diego.

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA · Private

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
San Diego, CA
Santa Clara, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,671
6,552
Acceptance rate
52%
48%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.51–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1190–1370
1350–1490
ACT (middle 50%)
26–31
31–33
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,365
$50,062
Full cost / yr
$78,720
$82,026
In-state tuition
$59,486
$61,293
Out-of-state tuition
$59,486
$61,293
Application fee
$55
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,586
$22,985
$30k - $48k
$17,441
$19,154
$48k - $75k
$19,557
$26,531
$75k - $110k
$27,012
$37,219
Over $110k
$46,989
$60,678
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
88%
Freshman retention
91%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,995
$91,198
Median earnings (10 yr)
$86,522
$109,183
Median debt at graduation
$22,940
$19,162
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
11%
First-generation students
25%
17%
International students
6%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 University of San Diego or Santa Clara University harder to get into?
Santa Clara University is harder to get into. It admits about 48% of applicants, compared with 52% at University of San Diego. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of San Diego or Santa Clara University?
University of San Diego is cheaper on average. Students pay about $30,365 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 University of San Diego and Santa Clara University?
Before aid, University of San Diego costs about $78,720 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, University of San Diego or Santa Clara University?
University of San Diego. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,586 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, University of San Diego or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University is the larger of the two, with about 6,552 undergraduates against 5,671 at University of San Diego.
Does University of San Diego or Santa Clara University have a better graduation rate?
Santa Clara University has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 83% at University of San Diego.
Do graduates of University of San Diego 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 $86,522 for University of San Diego. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of San Diego and Santa Clara University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of San Diego 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 University of San Diego and Santa Clara University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1190–1370 at University of San Diego 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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