News

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec. 18, 2024—Santa Clara University continues to draw exceptional students from throughout California, across the country, and around the world. A record high of nearly 12,100 students applied early this year – an increase of over 7% from last year. 

Students representing nearly 3,000 high schools across the globe applied early for admission to Santa Clara and received their notifications through their SCU application portal on December 13. 

Students who apply for early admission tend to be the most committed to attending Santa Clara, and want to secure their spot in the Class of 2029 early. An increase in early-admission applicants is a sign that a Santa Clara education—with its emphasis on rigorous academics, small classes, Jesuit mission and values, and Silicon Valley connections — remains highly valued. Students admitted through Early Action have until May 1 to accept Santa Clara’s admission offer, while students admitted through Early Decision I must confirm their enrollment by January 7. 50 percent of early applicants were offered admission.

Other notable characteristics of the admitted class include:

• They report an average unweighted GPA of 3.86 
• 47% of students are from outside California
• More than 500 students are the first in their families to attend college
• Almost 6% of students are living outside the U.S.
• Nearly 500 students attend Jesuit high schools
• Ten are SCU’s second cohort of Posse LA Scholars

“Santa Clara University is thrilled by the exceptional caliber of students who applied for early admission to the Class of 2029,” said Santa Clara Dean of Undergraduate Admission Francine Davis. “This talented group represents an array of lived experiences, achievements, and aspirations, embodying the values of curiosity, community, and leadership that define SCU. We are inspired by their commitment to academic excellence and their passion for making a positive impact in the world. It’s an exciting time to welcome such promising individuals into the Bronco family, and we look forward to seeing the remarkable contributions they will bring to our campus and beyond.”

The Class of 2029 will be joining the Mission campus during a transformative and dynamic period.

• SCU has joined with two other Jesuit universities to create the Tri-Alliance for Post-Award Innovation, committed to advancing research excellence.
• SCU was named an Insight Into Diversity ‘2024 Diversity Champion,’ which recognizes universities that demonstrably champion the creation of diverse and inclusive environments on campus. 
• SCU had nearly a dozen students named as semifinalists or finalists in 2024 for prestigious national and international scholarships including the Fulbright, Udall, Goldwater, and Knight-Hennessy.
• SCU placed 63rd among nearly 400 national-level universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 “Best Colleges” edition and No. 17 nationally for Best Undergraduate Teaching. 
• SCU holds national rankings in notable publication lists including No. 58 on TIME and Statista’s “Best Colleges for Future Leaders,” No. 38 in the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse “2025 Best Colleges in the U.S” rankings, No. 61 on the “2025 Forbes’ List of America’s Top Colleges”, and No. 7 on Payscale’s “Best Universities for a Bachelor’s Degree.”

“Santa Clara University is proud to attract extraordinary students from across the globe, especially at a time when the world needs leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Eva Blanco Masias. “Our commitment to shaping the next generation of global changemakers is at the heart of our strategic plan, Impact 2030, which prioritizes access, affordability, and inclusive excellence. These future Broncos embody the values and aspirations of our Jesuit mission, and we are inspired by their potential to drive meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.”

The Santa Clara University community looks forward to congratulating and welcoming newly admitted students with upcoming events and engagements. 

Students can still apply until January 7 through Early Decision II or Regular Decision admission tracks. For transfer students, a rolling admission deadline is April 15, and those applying from a community college will have their application fee waived.

About Santa Clara University
Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University sits in the heart of Silicon Valley—the world’s most innovative and entrepreneurial region. The University’s stunningly landscaped 106-acre campus is home to the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asís. Ranked among the top 15 percent of national universities by U.S. News & World Report, SCU has among the best four-year graduation rates in the nation and is rated by PayScale in the top 1 percent of universities with the highest-paid graduates. SCU has produced elite levels of Fulbright Scholars as well as four Rhodes Scholars. With undergraduate programs in arts and sciences, business, and engineering, and graduate programs in six disciplines, the curriculum blends high-tech innovation with social consciousness grounded in the tradition of Jesuit, Catholic education.  For more information, visit scu.edu.

Media Contact
Lisa Robinson | SCU Media Communications | lrobinson2@scu.edu | 408-551-3601