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Santa Clara University and California State University-Long Beach are both private nonprofit institutions — Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA and California State University-Long Beach in Long Beach, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Santa Clara, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 48.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 6,552
Tuition: $61,293/year
Student-faculty ratio: 11.0:1
Graduation rate: 87.9%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Engineering, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Santa Clara, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Engineering.
Long Beach, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 46.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 35,924
Tuition: $19,950/year
Student-faculty ratio: 23.0:1
Graduation rate: 68.9%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Visual and performing arts, Engineering
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Long Beach, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Visual and performing arts.
| Factor | Santa Clara University | California State University-Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 48.0% | 46.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1350–1490 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 31–33 | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 6,552 | 35,924 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $61,293/year | $19,950/year |
| Average net price after aid | $50,062 | $10,440 |
| Graduation rate | 87.9% | 68.9% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $109,183 | $64,403 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 11.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Public |
| Location | Santa Clara, CA | Long Beach, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Engineering, Social sciences | Business and marketing, Visual and performing arts, Engineering |
Both schools admit a similar share of applicants (48.0% vs 46.3%). California State University-Long Beach has a lower average net price after grant aid ($10,440 vs $50,062). Santa Clara University reports the higher graduation rate (87.9% vs 68.9%). California State University-Long Beach is the larger undergraduate campus (35,924 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Santa Clara University and California State University-Long Beach
Santa Clara University has an acceptance rate of 48.0%; California State University-Long Beach is around 46.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Santa Clara University tuition is $61,293/year. California State University-Long Beach is $19,950/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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