SCU vs. University of St Thomas

Comparable Facts

Compare Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA with University of St Thomas in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Santa Clara University is larger than University of St Thomas based on total student enrollment (9,728 students vs. 9,410 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA (Midsize City setting); University of St Thomas is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Santa Clara University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of St Thomas is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Santa Clara University 11:1; University of St Thomas 14:1.

SCU vs. University of St Thomas Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCU or University of St Thomas? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of St Thomas than SCU ($31,250 vs. $53,883).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of St Thomas are 24.8% lower than at Santa Clara University ($14,969 vs. $19,893).
• Santa Clara University is 12.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of St Thomas (about $6,895 more per year; $61,293.00 vs. $54,398.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.7% higher at SCU than at University of St Thomas (about $6,895 more per year; $61,293.00 vs. $54,398.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of St Thomas than at Santa Clara University (95% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of St Thomas students is 25.4% larger than aid received by Santa Clara University students ($35,587 vs. $28,368).

SCU vs. University of St Thomas Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SCU or University of St Thomas? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of St Thomas and SCU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Santa Clara University (1420) is 80 points higher than at University of St Thomas (1340).
• Incoming SCU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 27 at University of St Thomas).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Santa Clara University 1350/1490; University of St Thomas 1260/1423.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Santa Clara University 31/33; University of St Thomas 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCU - Test optional; University of St Thomas - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SCU Jan 7, 2027; University of St Thomas Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SCU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at University of St Thomas (3.63).
• University of St Thomas has a higher acceptance rate (85.4%) than SCU (48%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at SCU vs. 20.8% at University of St Thomas.

SCU vs. University of St Thomas Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCU and University of St Thomas? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Santa Clara University's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than University of St Thomas's (74%).
• Graduates from Santa Clara University earn a median of about $19,900 more per year than University of St Thomas graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,900 vs. $62,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Santa Clara University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than University of St Thomas graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, SCU graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of St Thomas graduates ($222 vs. $268).
• More SCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of St Thomas students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 80%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.