Overview: Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University (SCU), officially established in 1851, is California’s oldest higher education institution and is located in Santa Clara, in the heart of Silicon Valley, USA. As a private, comprehensive Jesuit university, SCU is dedicated to both rigorous teaching and increasingly impactful research. It serves approximately 9,000 students and operates a single main campus within the San Francisco Bay Area. With six major academic schools, SCU offers both a focused and wide-reaching academic environment recognized globally for its deep roots and dynamic setting.
Academic Strengths and Structure
SCU is renowned for its robust engineering, business, and law programs, particularly its Leavey School of Business and School of Engineering, which are consistently ranked among the top undergraduate schools in the United States. The university employs an interdisciplinary, project-based learning model that integrates practical experience with a strong liberal arts foundation. SCU boasts over 1,100 faculty members and maintains active research partnerships with Silicon Valley industry leaders and global institutions. Its faculty and students contribute to over 500 annual research publications, earning the university national rankings in entrepreneurship and STEM disciplines. The curriculum emphasizes ethical leadership and global perspective, uniquely situating SCU within the innovation ecosystem.
Student Life and Community
Campus life at Santa Clara University is vibrant and diverse, with more than 130 student clubs spanning academic, cultural, and recreational interests. The university actively supports more than 3,500 residential students through on-campus housing and offers competitive NCAA Division I athletics, arts performances, and regular cultural events. SCU’s Office for Multicultural Learning fosters a welcoming, inclusive culture, while international students make up over 10% of the undergraduate population. Robust student services, including career development and wellness resources, ensure a holistic educational experience that engages mind, body, and spirit.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Santa Clara University’s mission is to educate citizens and leaders dedicated to service, justice, and sustainability, combining academic excellence with an unwavering commitment to innovation and global citizenship. The university strives to cultivate ethical and compassionate professionals equipped to make meaningful contributions worldwide.
