SCU vs. Whittier College

Comparable Facts

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

Santa Clara University is larger than Whittier College based on total student enrollment (9,728 students vs. 795 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA (Midsize City setting); Whittier College is in Whittier, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• Santa Clara University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Whittier College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Santa Clara University 11:1; Whittier College 8:1.

SCU vs. Whittier College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCU or Whittier College? 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 Whittier College than SCU ($28,101 vs. $53,883).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Whittier College are 14.1% lower than at Santa Clara University ($17,082 vs. $19,893).
• Santa Clara University is 19.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Whittier College (about $9,943 more per year; $61,293.00 vs. $51,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.4% higher at SCU than at Whittier College (about $9,943 more per year; $61,293.00 vs. $51,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Whittier College than at Santa Clara University (99% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whittier College students is 27.5% larger than aid received by Santa Clara University students ($36,176 vs. $28,368).

SCU vs. Whittier College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SCU or Whittier College? 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 Whittier College and SCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Santa Clara University (1420) is 180 points higher than at Whittier College (1240).
• Incoming SCU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 27 at Whittier College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Santa Clara University 1350/1490; Whittier College 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Santa Clara University 31/33; Whittier College 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCU - Test optional; Whittier College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCU Jan 7, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SCU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Whittier College (3.61).
• Whittier College has a higher acceptance rate (80.8%) than SCU (48%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at SCU vs. 5.4% at Whittier College.

SCU vs. Whittier College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCU and Whittier College? 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 Whittier College's (55%).
• Graduates from Santa Clara University earn a median of about $34,500 more per year than Whittier College graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,900 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Santa Clara University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Whittier College graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, SCU graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Whittier College graduates ($222 vs. $263).
• More SCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Whittier College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 69%)

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.