| Updated On - Sep 12, 2025
Santa Clara University is a highly regarded private Jesuit university in Santa Clara, California, USA. It is a mid-sized university with about 5,500 undergraduate students. Admissions are somewhat competitive, and the overall acceptance rate is around 44%. Its most popular majors are Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, and Psychology. The six-year graduation rate is about 85%, and Santa Clara graduates have a median starting salary of around INR 9,00,000 (roughly $11,500 median income ten years after graduation).
University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is a reputable public research university located in Davis, California, USA. It is a big university with approximately 31,000 undergraduate students. Admissions are competitive and have an overall acceptance rate of around 42%. Popular majors are Biological Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Science, and Psychology. The six-year graduation rate is roughly 85%, and the alumni at UC Davis earn a median beginning salary of around INR 9,50,000 (roughly $12,000 median income ten years after graduation).
| Santa Clara University | University of California | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 6.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 1307 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 60 US News 2024 # 1631 US News 2024 | # 114 QS World University 2026 # 60 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 62 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 181 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 156 for Law by US News 2025 | # 34 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 113 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 50 for Law by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -31 PG Programs -22 | UG Programs -85 PG Programs -61 Doctorate Programs -3 |
| Acceptance Rate | 44.0 % | 42.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 SAT-1270 TOEFL-90 | IELTS-7 SAT-1130 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 52998 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 25185 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 32064 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 41196 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 26544 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 36835 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: MBA: $137,000 Masters in Science: $130,000 Bachelor of Science: $123,000 Bachelor of Arts: $70,000 | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows: MBA: $123,000 Doctorate: $97,000 Bachelor of Science: $85,000 Masters in Science: $75,000 Bachelor of Arts: $67,000 |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts Submit LORs Submit English language proficiency scores Check program specific requirements | Submit official transcripts of previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.5/10 Read 11 reviews | 7.4/10 Read 9 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 90/120 | Duolingo - 115/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 46/90SAT - 1490/1600TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -52998 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -41196 |
| application dates | Jan 7, 2023 (Early Decision-2 Application Deadline) Jan 7, 2023 (Regular Decision Application Deadline) Oct 1, 2023 (Application Deadline For Winter 2024 Intake) Nov 1, 2023 (Early Application Deadline For 2024 Intake) Nov 1, 2023 (Early Decision-1 Application Deadline) | Jul 31, 2024 (Application Deadline For Winter Or Spring 2025 Intake) Nov 30, 2024 (Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Santa Clara University | University of California |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1851 | 1908 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 11:1 | 14:1 |
| Male:Female | 50% Male, 50% Female | 43% Male, 57% Female |
| Location Facts | The university address is in Santa Clara, California, though a significant part of the campus lies over the border into San Jose, California. | University's main campus sits at the center of Davis in Northern California’s central valley. UC Davis Health, the region’s only academic health center, is on its Sacramento campus only 20 minutes from Davis. Other facilities are spread across the region. The UC Davis Part-Time MBA Program has one location in San Ramon. |
| Library | SCU’s libraries are much more than book repositories; they’re inspiring spaces for research, collaboration, and reflection. Spanning 194,000 square feet on four levels, the university library features energy-efficient lighting, light-filled public spaces, three open-air terraces, wireless networking, an art gallery, more than a million books, and over 200 new computers. | For generations of Aggies, the library is the academic heart of UC Davis — home to world-class collections, a place to collaborate and connect, and a vital source of knowledge that supports research and student success across the university. At the same time, the library is helping UC Davis transform the way scholars and learners access and engage with information, through the creation of innovative programs and resources that harness today’s rapid advancements in technology, data science and informatics. |
| Campus Life | Santa Clara offers its students the opportunity to engage in over 125 registered student organizations (or clubs).[65] RSO's are partially funded by the university via the student government, ASG. These Organizations span from Athletic/Recreational, Careers/Pre-professional, Community Service, Ethnic/Cultural, Business Fraternities, Health/Counseling, Media/Publications, Music/Dance/Creative Arts, Political/Social Awareness to Religious/Philosophical. The Associated Student Government of Santa Clara University (ASGSCU) is Santa Clara University's student government, an elected representative body for undergraduate students. Santa Clara participates in NCAA's Division I and is a member of the West Coast Conference. Sports include boxing, cycling, equestrian, paintball, men's lacrosse, women's lacrosse, men's rugby, women's rugby, men's Ultimate, women's Ultimate, men's volleyball, women's volleyball, men's ice hockey, sailing, Shotokan karate, swimming, triathlon, and women's field hockey. | Davis has everything you would expect from a large university and a lot of experiences that will surprise you. UC Davis provides a great education to its students, but it also provide an amazing home! The campus is alive with activity and offers many ways to socialize, exercise, grab a bite or just relax. There are more than 800 student organizations and clubs at the campus for the students. Various events are held on the campus for the students every week. Students can enjoy various facilities like sports, gymming, health and wellnes etc. University also has various health programs and counselling facilities for the students. |
| Hostel | #Off campus (not with family) - $13293 #On campus - $14487 #Off campus (with family) - $4284 | #Off campus (with family) - $10907 #On campus - $16136 #Off campus (not with family) - $9792 |
| Famous Alumni | Andy Ackerman, producer and director, Seinfeld Lawrence A. Fernsworth, journalist and author | Jackie Speier (lawyer and politician) Martin Yan (Chef) Tracy Cladwell Dyson (NASA astronaut) Ken O’ Brien (footballplayer) |
| City Life | Santa Clara, California is an idyllic city located in Santa Clara County. With its stunning parks and trails, great shopping and dining opportunities, and plenty of local attractions, Santa Clara has something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts will be ecstatic when they explore all that the city has to offer while business owners can take advantage of the many resources available. Education is also top-notch in Santa Clara with numerous schools, universities, and medical centers close at hand. Whether you’re looking for a new home or simply wanting to have some fun, Santa Clara is sure to provide the perfect experience! | Davis is a vibrant college town of about 68,000 people with a student-friendly downtown right across the street from the university. The city of Davis is renowned for being one of America’s true college towns. Small-town safety and ease blend with big-city amenities like sophisticated restaurants, theaters and entertainment. The centralized, walkable downtown offers international cuisine, delightful shops and inspiring entertainment and social activities. As an ethnically and culturally diverse campus and community, Davis welcomes international travelers and students with open arms. And Davis is full of events and activities that celebrate this diversity. Unlike other small towns that "go to sleep" at 9 p.m., Davis remains lively into the late hours of the night. Students and the young at heart enjoy live music and dancing at a number of Davis night clubs, most of which are located within walking distance from the UC Davis campus. Davis is a very active community and residents and visitors can also be found jogging, inline skating, swimming, golfing, rock climbing, exercising at fitness clubs, bowling, and playing tennis, baseball, basketball, soccer and racquetball at facilities on and off campus. |
| Weather |
Santa Clara University vs University of California - Davis
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of California – Davis (UC Davis) and Santa Clara University are both reputable universities in California with specific strengths and learning areas. UC Davis stands at the 114th position globally according to the QS World University Rankings 2026, while Santa Clara University doesn't appear in the rankings. Based on the US News Global Rankings 2026, UC Davis ranks 96th worldwide, while Santa Clara University appears at position 1730. UC Davis is ranked 62 worldwide in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, which reflects its solid research profile and academic reputation. Santa Clara University, although less prominent on international rankings, specializes in business, engineering, and social sciences and has a strong commitment to undergraduate studies and professional experience.
General Information
University of California – Davis, established in 1905, is a large public research university in Davis, California. It offers education to more than 39,000 students and is acclaimed for its research in veterinary medicine, agriculture, environmental sciences, engineering, and biology. It is a well-ranked institution academically and is actively involved in research and innovation, particularly in life sciences and sustainability.
Santa Clara University, founded in 1851, is a private Jesuit institution in Silicon Valley, California, with approximately 8,500 students. Its strength lies in integrating liberal arts with professional preparation, with solid programs in business, engineering, law, and social sciences, supported by a strong ethic of social responsibility.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Both institutions share the same admissions competitiveness. Santa Clara University is 44% accepted, indicating a moderately selective admissions policy with a focus on academic accomplishments, leadership, and community engagement. UC Davis is also a bit more selective at 42%, welcoming students who have strong academic profiles with emphasis in STEM coursework and environmental sciences. Both institutions review applicants as a whole, taking into account GPA, personal statements, standardized tests (optional for some), and extracurricular activities.
Research Impact & Facilities
UC Davis is a research-oriented university, well known for its expertise in agriculture, life sciences, environmental science, and veterinary medicine. It has world-class labs and research centers that facilitate state-of-the-art studies with international contributions, particularly in biotechnology, climate science, and sustainability.
Santa Clara University focuses on applied research and opportunities for undergraduate research, especially in engineering, business, and social sciences. It does not have the same international research influence as UC Davis but is more concentrated on close faculty-student collaboration and applied, industry-based projects.
Cost & Financial Aid
Santa Clara University, being a private university, charges relatively higher tuition than public UC Davis but offers several merit and need-based scholarships. UC Davis has cheaper in-state tuition for residents of California, and both universities offer financial aid packages to aid students that include grants, work-study, and scholarships.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Santa Clara University, being a private university, tends to charge higher tuition rates than public UC Davis, although it offers merit-based and need-based scholarships. UC Davis charges lower in-state tuition for residents of California, and both universities offer financial aid packages to assist students in the form of grants, work-study, and scholarships.
