Santa Clara University

A spirit of purposeful innovation and ethical inquiry defines the intellectual life at Santa Clara University, where a Jesuit commitment to educating the whole person empowers students to cross disciplinary boundaries across three distinguished undergraduate schools. Rooted in a mission to develop competent, conscientious, and compassionate leaders, SCU's approach integrates a rigorous liberal arts core with hands-on professional preparation, encouraging students to apply classroom insights to real-world problems in partnership with the surrounding Silicon Valley ecosystem. This dynamic scholarly environment is anchored on a 106-acre campus in Santa Clara, California, centered around the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asís—the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. Within this close-knit community of scholars, leadership is forged through a dedication to justice, sustainability, and the collaborative pursuit of ideas that address the ethical dimensions of a rapidly evolving technological world.

Collaborative discovery is the hallmark of the Santa Clara experience, where the campus functions as a launching point for undergraduate research, community-based learning, and global engagement. Undergraduate education is deeply connected to the innovation economy of Silicon Valley, providing students with early opportunities to intern at leading technology firms, pursue faculty-mentored research, and engage with startup culture. An 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized mentorship and meaningful intellectual exchange throughout the academic journey. For international applicants, SCU offers merit-based scholarships; however, the university is need-aware for international students and does not guarantee meeting full demonstrated financial need. Through this blend of Jesuit heritage, Silicon Valley proximity, and ethical formation, Santa Clara graduates emerge ready not only to excel in their careers but to lead with conscience and a commitment to the common good.