Santa Clara University vs West Coast University-Orange County
Santa Clara University is selective with a 43.8% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than West Coast University-Orange County (95.3%). Graduates of West Coast University-Orange County earn $4,080 more per year at the 10-year mark ($97,371 vs $93,291). Students at Santa Clara University graduate with less debt ($19,500 vs $33,319).
Admissions & Outcomes
West Coast University-Orange County has a higher yield rate (41.5%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Santa Clara University is more affordable at $26,428 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $53,699 vs $41,865.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. West Coast University-Orange County enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (41%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Santa Clara University
- 1 Computer Engineering$103,449
- 2 Management Information Systems and Services$80,391
- 3 Civil Engineering$79,473
- 4 Mechanical Engineering$74,576
- 5 Finance and Financial Management Services$70,456
West Coast University-Orange County
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$82,415
- 2 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions$71,015
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Santa Clara University
- 1 Finance and Financial Management Services
- 2 Communication and Media Studies
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Mathematics and Computer Science
- 5 Computer Engineering
West Coast University-Orange County
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 2 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- 3 Health and Medical Administrative Services
- 4 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 5 Public Health
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Santa Clara University
- International students16%
- Tuition (international)$52,998
- Est. total cost/year$69,624
- School typePublic
West Coast University-Orange County
- International studentsN/A
- Tuition (international)$23,186
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 16% international enrollment, Santa Clara University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Santa Clara University or West Coast University-Orange County?
Santa Clara University is more selective with a 43.8% acceptance rate, compared to 95.3%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Santa Clara University or West Coast University-Orange County?
West Coast University-Orange County graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $97,371 compared to $93,291. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
What is the graduation rate at Santa Clara University vs West Coast University-Orange County?
Santa Clara University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 92.0%, compared to 57.1%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Santa Clara University or West Coast University-Orange County?
Santa Clara University has a larger international student population at 16% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Santa Clara University and West Coast University-Orange County?
At Santa Clara University, Computer Engineering graduates earn a median of $103,449 within two years. At West Coast University-Orange County, the top-earning major is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $82,415. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.