Santa Clara University vs University of San Diego: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Santa Clara University and University of San Diego, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Santa Clara University vs University of San Diego at a glance
Santa Clara University admits 48% of applicants and University of San Diego 52.4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $36,116 at Santa Clara University and $29,539 at University of San Diego. Six-year graduation rates are 87.3% and 81.1%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Santa Clara University admits 48% of applicants and University of San Diego 52.4%, so Santa Clara University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $36,116 a year at Santa Clara University and $29,539 at University of San Diego; University of San Diego costs $6,577 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $22,696 at Santa Clara University and $16,814 at University of San Diego.
- 87.3% of students graduate within six years at Santa Clara University, against 81.1% at University of San Diego.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $117,193 for Santa Clara University and $93,069 for University of San Diego; Santa Clara University is $24,124 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Santa Clara University and $21,250 at University of San Diego.
- Santa Clara University enrolls 6,552 students (midsize city) and University of San Diego 5,671 (large city).
Side by side
Santa Clara University and University of San Diego in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Santa Clara University | University of San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 48% | 52.4% |
| Applicants | 16,848 | 14,326 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1350–1490 | Not reported |
| ACT middle 50% | 31–33 | Not reported |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $36,116 | $29,539 |
| Tuition, in state | $63,513 | $62,420 |
| Tuition, out of state | $63,513 | $62,420 |
| Cost of attendance | $84,261 | $83,503 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $22,696 | $16,814 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $13,570 | $17,381 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $25,352 | $21,109 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $40,238 | $24,962 |
| Over $110,000 | $63,129 | $52,698 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 87.3% | 81.1% |
| First-year retention | 93.9% | 91.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $117,193 | $93,069 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $21,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $242 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 6,552 | 5,671 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Large |
| Location | Santa Clara, CA | San Diego, CA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Santa Clara University reports 46 bachelor's programs and University of San Diego 41; 29 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Santa Clara University vs University of San Diego
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Santa Clara University or University of San Diego?
Santa Clara University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Santa Clara University admits 48% of applicants and University of San Diego admits 52.4%.
Which is cheaper, Santa Clara University or University of San Diego?
University of San Diego has the lower average net price after grants: $36,116 a year at Santa Clara University against $29,539 at University of San Diego. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $22,696 and $16,814. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Santa Clara University or University of San Diego graduates earn more?
Santa Clara University graduates earn more at the median: $117,193 ten years after entry for Santa Clara University and $93,069 for University of San Diego. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $21,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Santa Clara University or University of San Diego?
Santa Clara University does: 87.3% of Santa Clara University students graduate within six years, against 81.1% at University of San Diego.
How big are Santa Clara University and University of San Diego?
Santa Clara University has 6,552 students in Santa Clara, CA and University of San Diego has 5,671 students in San Diego, CA.