Loading…
Getting the next page ready.
University of San Diego and Santa Clara University are both private nonprofit institutions — University of San Diego in San Diego, CA and Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, 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.
San Diego, CA · Private
Acceptance rate: 52.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 5,671
Tuition: $59,486/year
Student-faculty ratio: 13.0:1
Graduation rate: 83.7%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a private campus in San Diego, CA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Biological sciences.
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.
| Factor | University of San Diego | Santa Clara University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 52.4% | 48.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| Not reported |
| 1350–1490 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | 31–33 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 5,671 | 6,552 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $59,486/year | $61,293/year |
| Average net price after aid | $30,365 | $50,062 |
| Graduation rate | 83.7% | 87.9% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $86,522 | $109,183 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 13.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | San Diego, CA | Santa Clara, CA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Social sciences | Business and marketing, Engineering, Social sciences |
Santa Clara University is more selective (48.0% vs 52.4% acceptance rate). University of San Diego has a lower average net price after grant aid ($30,365 vs $50,062). Santa Clara University reports the higher graduation rate (87.9% vs 83.7%). 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.
University of San Diego vs Loyola Marymount University
52.4% vs 45.1% acceptance rate
University of San Diego vs University of San Francisco
52.4% vs 61.7% acceptance rate
University of San Diego vs Pepperdine University
52.4% vs 62.9% acceptance rate
University of San Diego vs Occidental College
52.4% vs 44.2% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between University of San Diego and Santa Clara University
University of San Diego has an acceptance rate of 52.4%; Santa Clara University is around 48.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of San Diego tuition is $59,486/year. Santa Clara University is $61,293/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