Santa Clara University's Student Population: A Comprehensive Overview

Santa Clara University, a private Jesuit university in Santa Clara, California, has a student population of around 9,000. The university, which was founded in 1851, offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong academics and commitment to learning. With a range of colleges and schools, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University provides a well-rounded and diverse education to its students.

Santa Clara University has a student population of 8,918 to 9,178

The student population consists of 5,895 to 6,115 undergraduate students and 3,023 to 3,063 graduate students. The undergraduate population has a male-to-female ratio of around 52-to-48 to 53-to-47, and about 55% to 57% identify as persons of color. A large proportion of undergraduates (around 55% to 60%) are from California, with the rest coming from across the United States and 38 to 43 countries worldwide.

The student-to-faculty ratio is approximately 11-to-1, with an average class size of 22. The university has a strong commitment to learning, with a high percentage of first-year students advancing to sophomore year (91.89% to 94.3%) and an impressive four-year graduation rate of 82% to 85%. The university's retention rate is also notable, with 92% of full-time undergraduates returning for their second year.

Santa Clara University offers a range of academic programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees through its six colleges and schools. The university's sports teams, known as the Broncos, compete at the NCAA Division I level and have achieved success in both men's and women's soccer. With a rich history, a diverse student body, and a strong academic reputation, Santa Clara University provides a well-rounded and engaging educational experience for its students.

55% of undergraduates are from California

Santa Clara University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California, is home to a diverse student population. With a total undergraduate enrollment of around 6,249 students (as of fall 2023), the university boasts a vibrant and dynamic community.

Among this diverse student body, it is notable that approximately 55% of the undergraduates are from the state of California itself. This equates to roughly 3,768 students who call the Golden State their home. This statistic highlights the strong connection between the university and its local community, with over half of the undergraduate population originating from within the state.

The remaining 45% of undergraduates come from a variety of different states across the nation. With a total undergraduate population of 5,895, this means that around 2,648 students travel from other parts of the United States to pursue their academic goals at Santa Clara University. This mix of students from both within and outside California contributes to a rich and varied campus culture.

In addition to its domestic students, Santa Clara University also welcomes international students to its campus. While the exact number of international undergraduates is not readily available, it is known that students from 38 different countries are represented at the university. This global presence further enhances the cultural diversity and exchange of ideas within the student community.

The university's ability to attract students from a wide range of backgrounds, both locally and internationally, speaks to its reputation as one of the nation's top educational institutions. With a strong focus on academic excellence and a high four-year graduation rate, Santa Clara University offers a well-rounded and highly regarded educational experience.

53% to 57% of undergraduates identify as people of colour

Santa Clara University has a total student population of 8,918, including 5,895 undergraduates and 3,023 graduate students. The undergraduate population has a male-to-female ratio of 53:47, and around 55% of undergraduates identify as people of colour. This figure has increased over time, with 52.9% of undergraduates identifying as a race/ethnicity other than white in 2019, compared to 36.3% in 2007.

The racial and ethnic composition of undergraduates at Santa Clara University is diverse. The largest racial and ethnic minority group is Latino/a/x/Hispanic, comprising 17.9% of the undergraduate student body as of fall 2019. Additionally, 7.5% of undergraduates identify as belonging to "Two or more races" and consider themselves Multi-Racial. This percentage has remained steady since 2013.

The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its Office for Diversity and Inclusion. In fall 2019, about 21% of undergraduates identified as underrepresented racial minorities (URM). This is a notable increase from 2003 when Latino/a/x/Hispanic students, the largest URM group, made up 15.3% of the graduate student body.

Santa Clara University's undergraduate population also showcases geographic diversity. While about 60% of undergraduates are from California, the remaining students come from across the United States and 38 other countries. The university's total international student population represents 81 countries, with the majority hailing from India, China, and Taiwan.

73% to 80% of undergraduates receive financial aid

Santa Clara University, a private institution founded in 1851, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,249 students as of Fall 2023. The university's tuition fees are $61,293, which is more expensive than the national average cost of tuition of $47,999. The total cost, including tuition and fees, food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses, is $82,125.

Given the high cost of attendance, it is unsurprising that many students require financial assistance. Indeed, 73% of Santa Clara University students receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, or loans. This figure is based on data from 2024 to 2025 and may fluctuate from year to year. Notably, the university also met 72% of its students' financial aid needs in the fall of 2022.

The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Santa Clara University was $36,968. Additionally, 35% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in the fall of 2022. Need-based self-help aid, which includes federal loans and work-study programs, averaged $5,104 for first-year students.

The university also offers merit-based aid, awarded for specific talents or academic achievements. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant for first-year students was $11,509, excluding any athletic scholarships.

Santa Clara University is committed to helping undergraduate and graduate students and their families find ways to make the university affordable. The university's financial aid programs provide valuable support to students and their families in meeting the annual college costs.

The student-to-faculty ratio is 10.97-to-1 or 11.56-to-1

Santa Clara University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10.97-to-1 or 11.56-to-1. This means that for every 11 students, there is approximately 1 faculty member. This is an impressive ratio when compared to other universities, which often have much higher ratios, indicating that Santa Clara University has a relatively low number of students per faculty member.

The student-to-faculty ratio is an important metric for prospective students to consider when choosing a university. A lower student-to-faculty ratio, such as that offered by Santa Clara University, can provide several benefits to students. Firstly, it can result in smaller class sizes, which allows for more personalized attention from instructors and facilitates a more interactive and engaging learning environment. This can be especially beneficial for students who may struggle in larger class settings or who prefer a more intimate and supportive educational experience.

Additionally, a lower student-to-faculty ratio can translate to increased accessibility and support from faculty members. Students may find it easier to develop relationships with their professors, seek help during office hours, and receive mentorship or guidance throughout their academic journey. This can be particularly advantageous for students who are undecided about their major or career path, as they can more easily connect with faculty in their potential field of interest.

Moreover, a lower student-to-faculty ratio can foster a stronger sense of community and engagement within the university. Students may feel more connected to their peers and instructors, leading to increased collaboration, networking opportunities, and a more enriching overall college experience. This sense of community can also extend beyond the classroom, enhancing students' social and extracurricular involvement.

It is worth noting that the student-to-faculty ratio can vary slightly between different departments and programs within a university. Certain majors or courses may have higher enrollment numbers, resulting in a higher student-to-faculty ratio for those specific areas. Additionally, the student-to-faculty ratio is just one aspect of a university's educational offerings, and it should be considered alongside other factors such as the quality of faculty, the range of courses available, and the overall reputation of the institution.

In conclusion, Santa Clara University's student-to-faculty ratio of 10.97-to-1 or 11.56-to-1 highlights the university's commitment to providing a personalized and supportive educational experience for its students. This ratio enables smaller class sizes, increased accessibility to faculty, and a stronger sense of community, all of which contribute to a rich and rewarding academic journey.

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