Santa Clara University: Top Jesuit Institution for Innovation, Ethics & Academic Excellence in Silicon Valley

Santa Clara University (SCU), California’s oldest operating higher education institution, is a Jesuit Catholic university located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Founded in 1851, SCU blends a rich historical legacy with modern innovation, offering a rigorous academic environment grounded in ethics, social justice, and community engagement.

With a diverse student body of around 9,000 and comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines—including business, engineering, law, and theology—SCU is widely recognized for academic excellence, strong return on investment, and robust ties to industry and community. Its campus features state-of-the-art facilities, vibrant student life, a commitment to research and social impact, and a thriving athletics program, all supporting its mission to educate the whole person and prepare ethical, compassionate leaders for a changing world.

Santa Clara University: A Pillar of Education and Innovation in Silicon Valley

Santa Clara University (SCU), nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, is California’s oldest operating institution of higher learning. Founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus, SCU carries a rich history as the successor of Mission Santa Clara de Asís, established in 1777. This Jesuit Catholic university is renowned for its commitment to educating the “whole person” (cura personalis), integrating a rigorous academic experience with ethical development, social justice, and community engagement.

History and Mission

SCU’s roots trace back to the Spanish mission era, making it the only college in California directly succeeding a Spanish mission. Initially an all-male institution, Santa Clara University became the first Catholic coeducational university in California in 1961, welcoming female undergraduates. Today, SCU enrolls approximately 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world. Its mission is deeply rooted in the Jesuit tradition, emphasizing intellectual competence, creative and collaborative learning, and professional development with a strong focus on ethics and responsible engagement with communities.

Academic Excellence and Programs

Santa Clara University offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across its various schools and colleges:

Undergraduate Programs:

• College of Arts and Sciences: Offers diverse majors including Anthropology, Art History, Biochemistry, Biology, Communication, Computer Science, Economics, English, Environmental Studies and Sciences, History, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Music, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Health Science, Religious Studies, Sociology, Studio Art, and Theatre and Dance.
• Leavey School of Business: Provides undergraduate degrees in Accounting, Accounting & Information Systems, Economics, Finance, Management & Entrepreneurship, Management Information Systems, and Marketing.
• School of Engineering: Features programs in Bioengineering, Civil, Environmental, and Sustainable Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, General Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Web Design and Engineering.

Graduate Programs:

• Leavey School of Business: Offers MBA (Online, Executive, Evening), M.S. in Information Systems, M.S. in Business Analytics (On-Campus, Online), M.S. in Finance and Analytics (On-Campus, Online), and M.S. in Marketing (Online).
• School of Engineering: Provides M.S. degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, Bioengineering, Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Mechanical Engineering, Power Systems and Sustainable Energy, and Robotics and Automation. Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs are available in Bioengineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
• School of Education & Counseling Psychology: Includes M.A. programs in Applied Psychology, Counseling, Counseling Psychology, Educational Leadership, and Teaching, as well as an Ed.D. in Social Justice Leadership.
• School of Law: Offers Juris Doctor (J.D.), Hybrid/Part-Time Flex J.D., J.D./MBA, J.D./MSIS, and LL.M. specializations in Intellectual Property, International & Comparative Law, and United States Law.
• Jesuit School of Theology: Provides Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.), Master of Theology (Th.M.), and ecclesiastical degrees like Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.), Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.), and Doctor of Sacred Theology (S.T.D.).
• Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries: Offers M.A. in Pastoral Ministries and a Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice & Chaplaincy.

Rankings and Reputation

Santa Clara University consistently earns high regard in national rankings, particularly for its strong return on investment (ROI) and programs in technology, business, and engineering.

• U.S. News & World Report: Recognized among the top “Colleges With the Best Return on Investment (ROI),” tied with Yale, and one of only two Bay Area universities (with Stanford) and two Jesuit universities (with Georgetown) on the list in March 2025.
• Wall Street Journal/College Pulse: Ranked No. 38 in the “2025 Best Colleges in the U.S.” rankings.
• Payscale: Consistently highlights SCU among the top universities for early and mid-career salaries of graduates.
• QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Ranked #101-150.
• QS Sustainability Ranking: Ranked #1301-1350.
• QS US UNI (universities): Ranked #85.

Campus Facilities and Resources

SCU’s beautifully landscaped 106-acre campus features a blend of historic and state-of-the-art facilities. Key features include:

• Mission Santa Clara de Asís: The historic centerpiece of the campus.
• Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation (SCDI): Opened in 2021, one of the largest and best-equipped STEM complexes in the nation, fostering interdisciplinary research and innovation.
• Stephen C. and Patricia A. Schott Athletic Excellence Center: A modern athletic facility opened in 2021.
• Charney Hall of Law and Edward M. Dowd Art and Art History Building: Recent additions enhancing academic and artistic pursuits.
• Library/Learning Commons: A spacious resource for academic research and study.
• de Saisset Museum: The university’s art museum.
• Residential Halls: Ten residence halls providing on-campus living.
• Cutting-edge Research Laboratories: Supporting advanced research across various disciplines.
• Athletic Facilities: Extensive facilities for intramural, club, and NCAA Division I sports.

The university’s Facilities Services team manages a wide range of operations, including building maintenance, landscape maintenance, custodial services, and recycling.

Student Life and Traditions

Student life at Santa Clara University is vibrant and deeply connected to its Jesuit values, particularly “Cura Personalis” (care for the whole person).

Student Organizations: Over 200 registered student organizations, academic clubs, and peer educator groups cover diverse interests, from performance arts and cultural clubs to academic and professional societies.

Residential Life: The Office of Residence Life focuses on holistic student development within its residential learning communities, with live-in professional and student staff providing support.

Wellness and Support: The Office of Student Life emphasizes student success and holistic development, offering resources like the SCU CARE program for student well-being, the Basic Needs Program, and the Ivancovich Family Student Life Fund for financial assistance.

Off-Campus Living: Support is provided for the majority of junior and senior students who reside within five miles of campus.

Online Student Life: SCU Online programs strive to build community and provide 24/7 student support, Silicon Valley networking, and access to on-campus facilities for their online students.

Research and Innovation

Santa Clara University fosters a strong culture of research and innovation, often with a focus on social impact.

Frugal Innovation Hub: A notable initiative within the School of Engineering, dedicated to developing low-cost, high-impact solutions for underserved communities.

Healthcare Innovation and Design: Students and faculty collaborate with industry professionals to address complex challenges in healthcare, developing specialized solutions and gaining real-world experience.

Research Opportunities: Students at all levels—undergraduate, graduate, and faculty—engage in groundbreaking research across various fields, from neuroscience and microbiology to engineering and social justice.

Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with Silicon Valley companies, such as the partnership with Genentech to create the West Coast Biomanufacturing Consortium for Analytics and Data Engineering (BioCAD), enhance research and career opportunities.

Athletic Programs

Santa Clara University is a member of the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference. The “Broncos” compete in a variety of sports, including:

• Basketball (Men’s and Women’s)
• Soccer (Men’s and Women’s, with a strong history of national championships)
• Baseball
• Softball
• Volleyball
• Tennis
• Golf
• Cross Country
• Track and Field
• Rowing
• Water Polo
• Beach Volleyball

Beyond NCAA, SCU also boasts 21 active competitive club sports teams, ranging from ice hockey and rugby to ultimate frisbee and boxing, providing diverse athletic opportunities for students.

Community Involvement

Community engagement is central to SCU’s mission, with deep ties to Silicon Valley and beyond.

• Community Outreach: Various programs and initiatives strengthen connections with local neighbors, offering opportunities for learning, service, and growth.
• Centers and Programs: Key initiatives include the Alexander Community Law Center, Applied Ethics Center, Bronco Urban Gardens, Center for Social Justice and Public Service, Engineers Without Borders, Ignatian Center, and the Thriving Neighbors Program.
• Student Engagement: Students are actively involved in community service and social justice through Registered Student Organizations, Chartered Student Organizations, and the LEAD Scholars Program for first-generation college students.
• Markkula Center for Applied Ethics: Welcomes students into conversations about critical ethical issues, supporting personal and academic exploration of ethics.
• Office for Multicultural Learning: Committed to promoting social justice, building bridges across diverse communities, and advocating for historically underrepresented populations.

Endowment and Financial Aid

Santa Clara University’s endowment, primarily funded by donor gifts, supports its mission for future generations.

• Endowment Impact: Annually, approximately 4.5% of the endowment’s investment income is distributed to support scholarships, endowed professorships, academic programs, and other critical university needs.
• Financial Aid: SCU is committed to making education accessible, with 73% of its students receiving some form of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, work-study, and loan programs. The university provides dedicated support for both undergraduate and graduate students in navigating financial aid opportunities.

Santa Clara University continues to be a dynamic institution, shaping leaders and innovators who are not only academically proficient but also ethically grounded and committed to making a positive impact on the world.

FAQs about Santa Clara University

What is Santa Clara University known for?
Santa Clara University is known for its Jesuit values, strong academic programs in business, engineering, and law, and its deep integration with Silicon Valley innovation and ethics.

Where is Santa Clara University located?
Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley.

When was Santa Clara University founded?
It was founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus and is California’s oldest operating institution of higher learning.

What is the size of the SCU student body?
SCU enrolls around 9,000 students, including both undergraduate and graduate students.

Is Santa Clara University a religious institution?
Yes, SCU is a Jesuit Catholic university rooted in the values of cura personalis, social justice, and ethical leadership.

What undergraduate programs are offered at SCU?
SCU offers undergraduate programs through the College of Arts and Sciences, Leavey School of Business, and School of Engineering in fields such as biology, computer science, marketing, mechanical engineering, and more.

What graduate programs are available at SCU?
Graduate programs are offered in business, engineering, education, counseling psychology, law, theology, and pastoral ministries.

Does SCU offer doctoral degrees?
Yes, SCU offers Ph.D. programs in engineering and theology-related ecclesiastical degrees.

Is Santa Clara University coeducational?
Yes, SCU became coeducational in 1961 and was the first Catholic coed university in California.

How does SCU rank nationally?
SCU consistently ranks high for return on investment and academic quality, including WSJ #38 (2025) and U.S. News rankings alongside top institutions like Yale and Stanford.

What is the Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation?
Opened in 2021, it is one of the largest STEM complexes in the U.S., supporting interdisciplinary research and teaching.

What support does SCU offer for student wellness and success?
SCU offers wellness services, residence life support, the SCU CARE program, and financial assistance through the Ivancovich Family Student Life Fund.

What kinds of student organizations exist at SCU?
There are over 200 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and peer educator programs.

Does SCU provide on-campus housing?
Yes, SCU has ten residence halls and robust residential learning communities for students.

What athletic programs does SCU offer?
SCU participates in NCAA Division I sports and offers a wide range of varsity, club, and intramural athletic opportunities.

How is SCU connected to Silicon Valley industries?
SCU maintains strong partnerships with Silicon Valley companies and offers programs that integrate industry collaboration and real-world research experience.

What are some unique research initiatives at SCU?
Initiatives include the Frugal Innovation Hub, healthcare design collaborations, and the BioCAD partnership with Genentech.

How is community service integrated into SCU student life?
Through centers like the Ignatian Center and programs like Engineers Without Borders and the Thriving Neighbors Program, students engage in meaningful service and social justice work.

Does SCU offer online degree programs?
Yes, SCU offers several graduate programs online, particularly in business, with full student support and access to on-campus resources.

What financial aid opportunities are available at SCU?
About 73% of students receive financial aid, including scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans.

What is the endowment used for?
Approximately 4.5% of endowment investment income supports scholarships, faculty, academic programs, and university operations.

What facilities are available on the SCU campus?
Facilities include the historic Mission Church, Sobrato STEM campus, Schott Athletic Center, Charney Hall of Law, art museums, residence halls, and high-tech labs.

Is there support for first-generation college students?
Yes, SCU supports first-generation students through programs like the LEAD Scholars Program.

What is cura personalis and how is it practiced at SCU?
Cura personalis means “care for the whole person,” and at SCU it is practiced through holistic education, student support services, and community engagement.

Does SCU support multicultural learning and diversity?
Yes, through the Office for Multicultural Learning, SCU promotes inclusivity, social justice, and support for underrepresented communities.