Loading…
Getting the next page ready.
Santa Clara University and Occidental College are both private nonprofit institutions — Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA and Occidental College in Los Angeles, 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.
Los Angeles, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 44.2%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,877
Tuition: $66,274/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 80.9%
Top programs: Social sciences, Visual and performing arts, Biological sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Los Angeles, CA with published program strength in Social sciences and Visual and performing arts.
| Factor | Santa Clara University | Occidental College |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 48.0% | 44.2% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1350–1490 |
| 1380–1520 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 31–33 | 31–34 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 6,552 | 1,877 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $61,293/year | $66,274/year |
| Average net price after aid | $50,062 | $38,263 |
| Graduation rate | 87.9% | 80.9% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $109,183 | $75,951 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Santa Clara, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Engineering, Social sciences | Social sciences, Visual and performing arts, Biological sciences |
Occidental College is more selective (44.2% vs 48.0% acceptance rate). Occidental College has a lower average net price after grant aid ($38,263 vs $50,062). Santa Clara University reports the higher graduation rate (87.9% vs 80.9%). Santa Clara University is the larger undergraduate campus (6,552 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.
Santa Clara University vs Loyola Marymount University
48.0% vs 45.1% acceptance rate
Santa Clara University vs University of San Diego
48.0% vs 52.4% acceptance rate
Santa Clara University vs California State University-Long Beach
48.0% vs 46.3% acceptance rate
Santa Clara University vs The Chicago School at Los Angeles
48.0% vs 46.3% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between Santa Clara University and Occidental College
Santa Clara University has an acceptance rate of 48.0%; Occidental College is around 44.2%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Santa Clara University tuition is $61,293/year. Occidental College is $66,274/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.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
Open Comparison Tool