SCU vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

Compare Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA with University of Richmond in University of Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Santa Clara University is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (9,728 students vs. 3,722 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA (Midsize City setting); University of Richmond is in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Santa Clara University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Santa Clara University 11:1; University of Richmond 7:1.

SCU vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCU or University of Richmond? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Richmond than SCU ($30,037 vs. $53,883).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Richmond are 13.8% lower than at Santa Clara University ($17,140 vs. $19,893).
• University of Richmond is 6.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than SCU (about $3,937 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $61,293.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.4% higher at University of Richmond than at Santa Clara University (about $3,937 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $61,293.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Santa Clara University than at University of Richmond (71% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Richmond students is 79.9% larger than aid received by Santa Clara University students ($51,039 vs. $28,368).

SCU vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SCU or University of Richmond? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Richmond and SCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Richmond (1470) is 50 points higher than at SCU (1420).
• Incoming University of Richmond students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 32 at SCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Santa Clara University 1350/1490; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Santa Clara University 31/33; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCU - Test optional; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCU Jan 7, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Richmond students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at SCU (3.67).
• SCU has a higher acceptance rate (48%) than University of Richmond (22.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at SCU vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

SCU vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCU and University of Richmond? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Santa Clara University's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than University of Richmond's (83%).
• Graduates from Santa Clara University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than University of Richmond graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,900 vs. $73,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have a $352 lower median loan debt than SCU graduates ($21,148 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCU graduates ($218 vs. $222).
• More SCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 75%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.