U.S. News & World Report Again Ranks Santa Clara University Among Top 15 Percent of Universities Nationwide
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 14, 2020— Santa Clara University placed in the top 15 percent (No. 53) among nearly 400 national-level universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 “Best Colleges” edition.
In only its second year being classed as a national rather than regional University, Santa Clara University notched up one ranking from last year’s No. 54, and also was noted for its excellence in undergraduate teaching, undergraduate business, and for its computer science and engineering programs.
“This ranking reflects the non-stop emphasis at Santa Clara University on student-centered learning, small class sizes, and excellence across the curriculum,” said Eva Blanco Masias, vice president for enrollment management at SCU. “We are so pleased that even in these uncertain times, the hard work, dedication, and achievement of our faculty, staff and students is being recognized.”
A New Way to Apply to SCU
Students applying to Santa Clara University will have an additional opportunity to join our community with an option to apply for a Winter Quarter start. The application is now open via Common Application. Students may apply as a first-year or transfer student.
Applications for Winter 2021 are due October 1. Any applications submitted after the deadline will be considered on a space available basis. Students who apply for Winter quarter start will receive their admission decision by mid-November.
Rankings Highlight Teaching, Business, STEM Excellence
The U.S. News rankings reflected excellence across many disciplines.
SCU By the Numbers
- No. 53 overall (tied) among nearly 400 national universities
- No. 25 (tied) among nearly 400 national universities, Best Undergraduate Teaching
- No. 67 (tied) out of 511 universities nationwide, Overall Undergraduate Business Programs
- No. 104 among nearly 200 qualifying national universities, Best Values Schools
- No. 132 (tied) among more than 200 doctorate-granting universities—Undergraduate Engineering
- No. 138 (tied) out of nearly 500 Undergraduate Computer Science Programs
Overall, U.S. News & World Report ranks universities on an array of criteria including assessments from leaders of peer institutions; success in retaining students; graduation rates; resources provided to faculty; class sizes; and the caliber of the student body.
“We are particularly proud of our strong student retention and stellar graduation rates, as these reflect our commitment to and focus on undergraduate student teaching, high impact learning experiences and student engagement,” said Provost Lisa Kloppenberg.
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. 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 see www.scu.edu.
Media Contact

Deborah Lohse | SCU Media Communications | dlohse@scu.edu | 408-554-5121