SCU Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at SCU is 52.1%.  Its admission rate is the 33rd lowest in California.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into SCU and can you get accepted?

SCU is a more competitive school to get into. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 8,677 out of the 16,650 who applied were admitted.

Santa Clara University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.67. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 19% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into SCU?

52% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Santa Clara University you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.67 or better
• Earn B+ grades in high school
• Score 1390 on the SAT
• Score 31 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top 25% of your high school class

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into Santa Clara University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into SCU are to have around a 3.67 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as SCU accepts 52% of students who apply.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at SCU is 3.67 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #32 in California for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since SCU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.7 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Santa Clara University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 34% of students submitted SAT scores and 17% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Santa Clara University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at SCU is 1390 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1290-1480. Students who get into Santa Clara University score in the top 13 percent of all SAT test takers..  SCU ranks #12 in the state of California and #107 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1390 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. SCU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1290 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1290, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1190, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Santa Clara University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1390 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1385, you have around a 52% chance of being admitted. A 1480 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 67% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into SCU?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to SCU is 31, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 29 and 33.  The school ranks #13 in California and #81 in the U.S. for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 31. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 29 and score in the score in the top 9 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 27.

17 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Santa Clara University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Santa Clara University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into SCU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 31 score has around 52% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 67% with a 33 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

72% of Santa Clara University freshman are in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class and 35% are in the top ten percent.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Santa Clara University is $70.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Santa Clara University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because SCU is fairly competitive, you have a decent chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.67 GPA, you have a good shot at getting in. An SAT score of 1390 will further improve your application. If you can get a 1480 on the SAT you will have a very good chance on getting in. Additionally a 31 on the ACT places you in a strong position.