Santa Clara University's published cost of attendance reaches $77,768 per year, including $59,241 in tuition, $18,984 for room and board, and $939 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $50,959 after financial aid, representing savings of $26,809 from the sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $82,026 |
| Tuition and Fees | $61,293 |
| Room and Board | $19,893 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,062 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$31,964 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $50,062 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $22,985 |
| $30–48k | $19,154 |
| $48–75k | $26,531 |
| $75–110k | $37,219 |
| $110k+ | $60,678 |
Santa Clara University's published cost of attendance reaches $77,768 per year, including $59,241 in tuition, $18,984 for room and board, and $939 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $50,959 after financial aid, representing savings of $26,809 from the sticker price. This net price significantly exceeds the peer median of $27,143, making Santa Clara University $23,816 more expensive than comparable institutions annually.
The higher net costs reflect the institution's positioning as a selective private university with limited need-based aid relative to student financial circumstances. Net prices vary substantially by family income, ranging from $36,094 for families earning under $30,000 to $60,212 for families earning over $110,000. This $24,118 spread between lowest and highest income tiers indicates some financial aid targeting, though all income levels face substantial costs.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Santa Clara University graduates carry median debt of $19,162, which compares favorably to the peer median of $24,181, resulting in $5,019 less debt than typical institutions. Debt levels range from $10,167 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating moderate variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
The debt-to-earnings ratio reaches 0.18, meaning graduates' debt represents 18% of their first-year earnings, indicating manageable repayment obligations relative to income capacity. Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $53,000 with monthly payments of $698, representing substantial family financial commitments beyond student borrowing.
Despite higher net prices than peer institutions, controlled student debt levels combined with exceptional earnings create favorable debt sustainability for graduates. The combination of modest student debt and outstanding post-graduation earnings supports strong financial outcomes, though families should carefully consider total educational costs including parent borrowing when making enrollment decisions.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Santa Clara University demonstrates exceptional return on investment despite higher costs, ranking at the 98.5th percentile nationally for overall return performance. Graduates earn $14,436 beyond expectations relative to similar students, placing the institution at the 90.6th percentile for value-added earnings outcomes.
Median earnings of $109,183 exceed peer institutions by $46,117 annually, providing substantial income advantages that justify higher educational costs for most graduates. The favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18 indicates that higher earnings more than compensate for educational expenses, creating positive long-term financial outcomes.
Students paying higher net prices benefit from exceptional career outcomes that support loan repayment and wealth building over time. The institution's top 5% ranking for median earnings nationally demonstrates that educational investment translates into outstanding long-term earning capacity, making Santa Clara University a strong financial choice despite higher upfront costs for families who can manage the investment.
Santa Clara University enrolls 10.9% Pell-eligible students, well below the national average and indicating limited enrollment of students from families earning under $50,000 annually. The substantial gap between sticker price ($77,768) and average net price ($50,959) represents $26,809 in average financial aid per student.
However, net prices remain high across all income levels, suggesting that aid covers only a portion of educational costs even for lower-income families. The institution's financial aid approach appears to provide moderate discounting rather than comprehensive need-based aid, maintaining net prices that exceed peer institutions by $23,816 annually.
Students from middle- and upper-income families should expect to pay substantial amounts regardless of aid eligibility, while lower-income families face costs that may require significant borrowing or alternative college options.
