Santa Clara University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 5, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~47%
- Middle 50% ACT: 31
- Middle 50% SAT: 1395
- Average GPA: 3.9
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: This is a reach. Focus on strong extracurriculars, leadership, and mission fit — SCU is selective beyond just GPA and scores.
- In the typical ranges: You’re competitive for admission and solid merit. This is the range where SCU can become financially possible.
- Well above the ranges: You’re in the pool for top automatic merit, including the Presidential full-tuition level — but only a small percentage actually receive it.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Santa Clara University at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Presidential at Entry Scholarship & Johnson Scholars Program (Honors))
Average Net Price
$49,651/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$5,000–$10,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
18 opportunities
7 automatic · 1 competitive · 5 hidden gem · 5 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.3+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Nov 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Presidential at Entry Scholarship & Johnson Scholars Program (Honors)
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA & CSS Profile
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Santa Clara University (Read This First)
- “Automatic” doesn’t mean common: The full-tuition Presidential Scholarship is automatic at admission, but only a small group of top students actually receive it
- CSS Profile required: To maximize financial aid, SCU requires both FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
- High cost baseline: Even with merit in the $5K–$25K range, this is still an expensive private school — always run the net price.
- Honors is separate and selective: Johnson Scholars (full tuition) is invitation-only and not something you can directly apply into.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Santa Clara University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 31; SAT: 1395.
Average net price? About $49,651/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Santa Clara University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$65,513 |
$65,513 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$19,446 |
$19,446 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$84,959 |
$84,959 |
Average Federal Net Price: $49,651 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
🎓 Before comparing offers, read our complete guide to
how financial aid and scholarships work at California private colleges
, including merit awards, CSS Profile schools, and net price differences.
Reciprocity / Regional Programs:
Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit institution and does not offer in-state discounts or participate in WUE or reciprocity programs. All students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Merit and need-based aid determine actual cost.
Cost of Attendance FAQs
Does SCU have in-state tuition?
No — private universities like Santa Clara charge the same tuition for all students, regardless of residency.
How much does the average student really pay?
The average family pays around $49,651 after grants and scholarships (based on federal data for 2022–23).
Do I need both FAFSA and CSS Profile?
Yes. Santa Clara requires both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile for students seeking institutional need-based aid.
Sources:
https://www.scu.edu/undergraduate-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees/
https://www.scu.edu/undergraduate-financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
https://www.scu.edu/undergraduate-financial-aid/apply/first-year/
https://www.scu.edu/institutional-research/common-data-set/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-university-search/santa-clara-university
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?122931-Santa-Clara-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Full TuitionAutomatic
Presidential at Entry Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 — applying Early Action or Early Decision I gives the strongest merit consideration. · 📢 Results: With your admission decision and initial financial aid offer.
✓ Renews (3.5 GPA, 12 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Top‑tier SCU merit scholarship that covers full tuition for four years for a very small group of high‑achieving first‑year admits.
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
This award is indexed to tuition — meaning if SCU raises tuition, the scholarship grows with it. It coordinates with any federal, state, or other SCU aid you receive, and institutional aid combined cannot exceed full tuition. If you finish your degree requirements early, SCU adjusts the award accordingly.
💡
Strategic Detail
SCU's top-tier automatic merit award, providing full tuition for first-year undergraduates. Reviewed automatically at admission with no separate application. SCU does not publish hard GPA or test-score cutoffs — selection is holistic and competitive within the admitted-student pool. Renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters with a 3.5 cumulative GPA and satisfactory academic progress. Filing the FAFSA and CSS Profile is recommended for any additional need-based consideration on top of the merit award.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
A very small slice of the strongest admits — students whose academic record, intellectual curiosity, and leadership reflect the qualities SCU's president identifies as central to the university's Jesuit mission.
Automatic
Provost Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 for strongest merit consideration. · 📢 Results: With your admission decision and initial aid offer.
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 12 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Half tuition, indexed to tuition increases, and coordinated with other federal, state, and SCU aid. Total institutional aid won't exceed tuition. Awards adjust if you finish your degree requirements early.
💡
Strategic Detail
SCU's second-tier automatic merit award, providing half tuition for first-year undergraduates. Reviewed automatically at admission with no separate application required. SCU does not publish formal GPA or test-score minimums. Renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters with a 3.0 cumulative GPA and satisfactory academic progress. FAFSA and CSS Profile recommended for maximum financial aid consideration.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong admits who've shown real leadership in their schools and communities alongside solid academic records. No published cutoffs — selection is part of the holistic admission review.
Automatic
Dean's Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 for strongest merit consideration. · 📢 Results: With your admission decision or initial aid offer.
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 12 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Fixed dollar amount (not indexed to tuition increases) that coordinates with other federal, state, and SCU aid. Institutional aid combined cannot exceed tuition, and your award adjusts if you finish degree requirements early.
💡
Strategic Detail
SCU's broadest automatic merit award for first-year students admitted to the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, or School of Engineering. Dollar amounts vary by recipient and are not published by SCU. Reviewed automatically at admission with no separate application. International students are eligible for consideration. Renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters with a 3.0 cumulative GPA and satisfactory academic progress.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
A broad group of strong admits to CAS, Business, or Engineering. Because the dollar amount varies, students should treat this as a meaningful tuition discount rather than a fixed sticker reduction.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
SCU Transfer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March 15 for the Transfer Admission Agreement. · 📢 Results: With your transfer admission decision and aid offer.
✓ Renews (9 yrs)
$5,000–$10,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.3+ GPA🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Ranges $5,000 to $10,000 per academic year. If you've also received a scholarship from a local Bay Area community-based organization (501(c)(3) CBO), SCU will match it with up to an additional $5,000 per academic year. Renewable for up to three academic years in consecutive quarters (excluding summers). Coordinated with federal, state, and other SCU aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
Automatic merit-based scholarship for qualifying community college transfers entering SCU in the fall quarter from designated Bay Area community colleges. Requires an approved Transfer Admission Agreement (TAA) by March 15, a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA, and at least 30 transferable semester units (or equivalent) at the time of applying. Annual award ranges $5,000-$10,000; renewable for up to three consecutive academic years. CBO matching funds (up to $5,000/yr additional) available for students with scholarships from Bay Area community-based organizations.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students entering in fall from approved Bay Area community colleges who have an approved TAA, at least 30 transferable units, and a 3.3+ GPA. This is one of SCU's most under-talked-about funding streams for community college transfers — well worth the upfront TAA paperwork.
Automatic
SCU Promise
📅 Deadline: March 2 (Cal Grant deadline) is critical for California residents. · 📢 Results: With your initial financial aid offer.
✓ Renews (12 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is a need-met commitment, not a fixed dollar award. SCU layers federal Pell, the Cal Grant, and institutional grant aid to cover the gap between your billable costs and your CSS Profile-calculated family contribution. Award amounts vary by family financial situation and can shift year to year if your need changes. Not available to admits coming off the waitlist.
💡
Strategic Detail
SCU's California-resident need-met commitment: meets full institutional demonstrated need (Billable Costs minus CSS Profile EFC) for first-year California residents who are Cal Grant eligible and demonstrate financial need. Not available to students offered admission off the waitlist. Renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters; award amounts may vary year to year. FAFSA and CSS Profile required.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted first-year California residents who qualify for a Cal Grant and demonstrate financial need on the CSS Profile. If that's your family, this is one of the most powerful institutional commitments in California private higher education — full need-met for billable costs, automatically.
Automatic
Jesuit Ignatian Award
📅 Deadline: SCU first-year admission and FAFSA/CSS Profile priority deadlines. · 📢 Results: With your initial financial aid offer.
✓ Renews (12 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Need-based award with amounts that vary by recipient and may shift year to year. Coordinates with other federal, state, and SCU aid. Not indexed to tuition increases. Renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters with FAFSA filed annually.
💡
Strategic Detail
Need-based institutional award for first-year undergraduates who graduated from a Jesuit high school. Amount varies by recipient. Renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters with annual FAFSA filing. CSS Profile required at initial awarding. Recipients selected automatically at admission.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-year admits with a Jesuit high school diploma who demonstrate financial need. This is a quiet but meaningful pipeline award — if you're coming from a Jesuit secondary school, make sure your CSS Profile and FAFSA are in on time.
Automatic
Cristo Rey Promise
📅 Deadline: Aligned with SCU first-year admission and FAFSA/CSS Profile priority deadlines. · 📢 Results: With your initial financial aid offer.
✓ Renews (12 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Need-met commitment — SCU layers federal, state, and institutional aid to cover the gap between billable costs and your CSS Profile-calculated family contribution. Award amounts vary year to year as need shifts. Not available to admits coming off the waitlist.
💡
Strategic Detail
Need-met commitment for first-year undergraduates who graduated from a Cristo Rey Network high school. SCU covers full institutional demonstrated need for billable costs (Billable Costs minus CSS Profile EFC). Not available to students offered admission off the waitlist. Renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters; award amounts may vary year to year. Recipients selected automatically at admission.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-year admits who graduated from a Cristo Rey Network high school and demonstrate financial need. This is one of the most powerful pipeline commitments in Catholic higher ed — if you went to a Cristo Rey school, the Promise effectively closes the cost gap.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Sources:
Santa Clara University Merit Scholarships – scu.edu/financialaid/undergraduates/merit-scholarships.html
SCU Academic Scholarships & Grants – scu.edu/financialaid/undergraduates/scholarships-grants.html
SCU Johnson Scholars Program – scu.edu/johnsonscholars/
SCU Financial Aid FAQ – scu.edu/financialaid/faq/
SCU Undergraduate Bulletin – scu.edu/academics/bulletins/undergraduate/
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships
Automatic
Bronco Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 for strongest consideration. · 📢 Results: With your initial financial aid offer.
✓ Renews (12 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renewable institutional grant (not indexed to tuition) that coordinates with other federal, state, and SCU aid. Total institutional aid combined cannot exceed tuition. Filing the FAFSA and CSS Profile is recommended for full consideration.
💡
Strategic Detail
Personal-recognition institutional grant for first-year students. No separate application is required and no formal GPA or test thresholds are published — selection is part of the broader holistic admission and aid review. Renewable annually for 12 consecutive academic quarters with satisfactory academic progress. Award amounts are not published by SCU and vary by recipient.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted first-year students whose experiences, service, talents, or backgrounds will enrich SCU's community and contribute to its sense of community and scholarship. SCU doesn't publish a dollar range, so don't expect a fixed figure — treat it as a meaningful, but variable, addition to your aid package.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Estimates are based on SCU admissions data and verified sources. Actual thresholds and selection criteria may change year to year.
FAQ
- How many Johnson Scholars are awarded? Only ~5 students are chosen each year from Honors finalist pool.
- Is there an extra application? Yes — Johnson and Robert Warren require Honors application/finalist process; Bronco and Presidential are automatic upon admission review.
- Are scholarships renewable? Yes — all listed awards renew for up to 12 quarters with continued academic eligibility.
- Do test scores matter? Yes — SCU will superscore SAT/ACT if submitted, but test-optional admissions are also considered.
- What are typical deadlines? Johnson/Robert Warren tied to Honors (Mar. 21), Bronco/Presidential to first-year apps (Nov. 1 — Early Action/Decision, Jan. 7 — Regular).
Sources:
Santa Clara University Financial Aid – https://www.scu.edu/financialaid/types-of-aid/scholarships-and-grants/
SCU Merit Scholarships – https://www.scu.edu/financialaid/types-of-aid/merit-scholarships/
Johnson Scholars Program – https://www.scu.edu/honors/johnson/
SCU Bronco Scholarship – https://www.scu.edu/financialaid/types-of-aid/university-grants/
Honors College Scholarship Info – https://www.scu.edu/honors/
SCU Scholarship Deadlines – https://www.scu.edu/financialaid/deadlines/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These aren’t the headline “automatic” or “flagship/competitive” awards—but they can quietly shave thousands off costs through research stipends, study abroad funding, first-gen support, and ROTC tuition benefits.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
LEAD Scholars Micro-Scholarship Fund
📅 Deadline: Rolling / as needed
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Limited by annual LEAD scholarship and microgrant budget winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Intended as one-time, gap-filling support that can stack on top of existing aid to cover emergency tuition or essential expenses.
📄
How to Apply
Current LEAD Scholars submit an internal microgrant or scholarship request through the LEAD Scholars office explaining their emergency tuition or basic-needs gap.
Selection criteria: Prioritizes LEAD Scholars with demonstrated financial emergencies or unmet essential needs.
💡
Strategic Detail
LEAD maintains a small scholarship fund and separate microgrant funds to support emergency tuition, emergency travel, basic needs, and co-curricular expenses for first-generation students in the program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-generation LEAD Scholars with documented financial shortfalls for tuition or urgent needs who are actively participating in the program.
Automatic
Santa Clara University California Promise Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 · 📢 Results: With or shortly after financial aid package
✓ Renews (12 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed to cover remaining demonstrated financial need for Cal Grant–eligible California first-years after federal, state, and institutional aid; coordinated with Cal Grant and other aid each year and renewed while Cal Grant eligibility and need continue.
💡
Strategic Detail
University statements commit to meeting full demonstrated need for admitted first-year Cal Grant recipients through the California Promise for four academic years, coordinated with all other forms of aid; transfer students and Dream Act–only students are not eligible.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
California first-year students who qualify for Cal Grants and have remaining demonstrated financial need after other grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study are applied.
App Required
Horatio Alger Association Scholarship — Schott Family
📅 Deadline: Tied to the Horatio Alger Association national scholarship cycle; contact SCU for SCU-specific timing.
✓ Renews
🏫 3.4+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Donor-funded by Stephen Schott (S.C.S Development Co. / Award Homes) as a collegiate partner of the Horatio Alger Association. Amounts vary; coordinates with other SCU aid.
📄
How to Apply
Reach out to Lorenzo Gamboa at SCU (LGamboa@scu.edu) for current eligibility and application details. You also need to be a confirmed Horatio Alger Association Scholarship recipient — start with the Horatio Alger Association national scholarship application at scholars.horatioalger.org.
Selection criteria: Selection tied to the Horatio Alger Association process plus SCU verification of GPA and enrollment plans.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Donor-funded scholarship program — the SCU–Schott Family Scholarship — funded by Horatio Alger Association member Stephen Schott. Available to high school seniors planning to attend SCU who are recipients of the Horatio Alger Association Scholarship and have a minimum 3.4 GPA. Direct inquiries to Lorenzo Gamboa, LGamboa@scu.edu.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High school seniors planning to attend SCU who are also Horatio Alger Association scholars and meet the 3.4 GPA minimum. Because the path runs through the national Horatio Alger pipeline first, this isn't a one-step apply — but for students already on that pipeline, it's a meaningful additional layer.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Black Excellence Scholarship Fund
📅 Deadline: Feb 1
✓ Renews
👥 ~Limited by annual fundraising for the fund winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Intended to supplement existing need-based and merit aid for Black students; coordinated with other grants so total aid does not exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP HTML summarizes this as a donor-funded pool for Black undergraduates with financial need, with a preference for first-generation students and awards that may renew while need continues.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Self-identified Black students, often first-generation, who show financial need and campus or community engagement; awards are typically several thousand dollars where donor funds allow.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
SCU Third-Child Grant
📅 Deadline: Submitted by parents annually once three SCU undergraduates are concurrently enrolled. · 📢 Results: Following review of submitted documentation.
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Up to 50% of annual tuition for the student farthest along in their studies. Coordinates with other federal, state, and SCU aid. Not indexed to tuition increases. Adjusts if degree requirements are completed early.
📄
How to Apply
When you have three or more dependent children simultaneously enrolled as undergraduates at SCU, parents submit a written request to Financial Aid along with the most recent federal tax return listing all three children as dependents. The grant goes to the student farthest along in their studies. FAFSA required annually.
Selection criteria: Eligibility-based; no competitive review.
💡
Strategic Detail
Tuition grant of up to 50% of annual tuition awarded to one student per family — the one farthest along in their studies — when three or more dependent children are simultaneously enrolled in undergraduate programs at SCU. Parents must submit a written request along with the most recent federal tax return listing all three SCU undergraduates as dependents. FAFSA required annually.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Families with three or more dependent children enrolled at SCU undergrad at the same time. It's a niche benefit, but if it applies to your family, it's a meaningful tuition discount that's easy to overlook.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Award amounts are based on university descriptions and recent reports; specific dollar values may shift each year.
- Departmental Scholarships (e.g., Accounting Dept. $86k annual pool; Music auditions; senior prizes)
- Bronco Bench Foundation athletic scholarships (endowed funds for student-athletes)
- National Fellowships Office support for external awards like Truman, Fulbright, etc.
FAQ
- Can these combine with my SCU merit? Often yes, especially stipends (research, service, study abroad). Tuition-targeted awards (e.g., ROTC) follow federal/University stacking caps.
- Are these need-based or merit-based? Many are selection-based with mission/fit criteria; some consider need (e.g., LEAD microgrants) while others fund defined projects (REAL, Donovan).
- When do I apply? Fall–winter for summer fellowships; study abroad scholarships follow program terms; Army ROTC runs national HS boards (senior year) plus campus-based options.
- Do these reduce tuition or living costs? Stipends offset living/research/travel; ROTC can cover tuition/fees directly.
Sources:
Santa Clara University Financial Aid – https://www.scu.edu/financialaid/types-of-aid/scholarships-and-grants/
LEAD Scholars Program – https://www.scu.edu/leadscholars/scholarships/
Jesuit Ignatian Award – https://www.scu.edu/alumni/awards/
SCU California Promise Grant – https://www.scu.edu/financialaid/types-of-aid/university-grants/
SCU Cristo Rey Promise – https://www.scu.edu/undergraduate-financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/
Departmental Awards/Fellowships – https://www.scu.edu/academics/schools-colleges/
🎖️ University Honors Program
Santa Clara doesn’t have a separate Honors College, but its University Honors Program (UHP) provides an enriched academic track. It’s designed for students who want smaller classes, faculty mentorship, and research opportunities layered on top of SCU’s Jesuit tradition and Silicon Valley access.
What a Typical SCU Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA near 4.0, rigorous AP/IB coursework, strong writing ability, and active leadership/service roles. Test scores, if submitted, often fall in the 1400+ SAT / 32+ ACT range. Estimate
Perks That Matter:
- Priority class registration each quarter
- Dedicated Honors housing options for first-years
- Small, discussion-based seminars with top faculty
- Senior capstone thesis or research project with mentorship
- Enhanced advising and support for fellowships/grad school
Full RideApp Required
Johnson Scholars Program (Honors)
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 — EA or ED I is mandatory for Johnson consideration. · 📢 Results: In the weeks following the Johnson Scholars finalist selection process, typically late winter to early spring.
✓ Renews (3.5 GPA, 12 yrs)
Full Ride
full tuition + room and board + books + summer stipend
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~A very small annual cohort selected from the Johnson Scholars finalist pool. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
The crown jewel: full tuition, standard room and board, books and supplies, plus a summer stipend — all indexed to tuition increases. SCU is also committed to fully meeting demonstrated financial need for each Johnson Scholar (filing FAFSA and CSS Profile unlocks any extra need-based coverage). After year one, scholars can apply for up to $10,000 per year in professional development funds for internships, independent research, or cultural immersion travel.
📄
How to Apply
This is a layered process. (1) Apply to SCU for first-year admission Early Action or Early Decision I — those are the only application plans considered for Johnson Scholars. (2) Submit a University Honors Program application by the published UHP deadline. (3) If selected as a finalist, participate in the Johnson Scholars finalist event/interview process. There is no way to be considered if you apply Regular Decision or ED II.
Selection criteria: Highly competitive holistic review focused on exceptional academic achievement, intellectual curiosity, leadership, service, and alignment with SCU's Jesuit mission.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
SCU's most prestigious merit award — comprehensive funding covering full tuition, room and board, books, and a summer stipend for up to four years. Renewable annually if the scholar maintains a 3.5 GPA and remains active in the University Honors Program and Johnson Scholars community. Critical eligibility note: students must apply Early Action or Early Decision I and concurrently apply to the University Honors Program — Johnson Scholars consideration is not available to RD or ED II applicants. International students are not eligible. Selection is highly competitive and based on academic excellence, leadership, motivation, and Jesuit-mission alignment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: An exceptionally small cohort of first-year admits with elite academic records, deep leadership history, and a demonstrated commitment to Jesuit values of service and social justice. Honors program participation is required to keep the award.
Automatic
Robert Warren Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 (EA/ED I) — required to be in the Johnson finalist pool. · 📢 Results: Shortly after the Johnson Scholars finalist selection and award decisions.
✓ Renews (3.5 GPA, 12 yrs)
$40,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~A small number annually, drawn from the Johnson Scholars finalist pool. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Up to $40,000 per year, annually renewable, coordinated with other federal, state, and SCU aid. As an institutional merit award drawn from the Johnson finalist pool, it typically isn't stacked beyond what SCU's overall aid policy allows.
💡
Strategic Detail
An annually renewable merit award of up to $40,000 per year for first-year undergraduates. No separate application — candidates are identified through the Johnson Scholars Program selection process. All Johnson Scholars finalists are eligible. Selection emphasizes academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to social justice. Awarded since Spring 2014, named in honor of Robert Warren, SCU's Vice President Emeritus.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Johnson Scholars finalists who demonstrate superior academic achievement, extraordinary leadership, and a clear commitment to building a more humane, just, and sustainable world.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Hayes Fellowship
📅 Deadline: Typically early December (Dec 4).
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.3+ GPA👥 ~A limited number of fellows are selected annually. winners/yr🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Up to $6,000 in supplemental funding for summer research wages, domestic study or travel expenses, and/or research supplies. Because it doesn't replace tuition-based aid, it stacks comfortably alongside your existing SCU scholarship package.
📄
How to Apply
Honors sophomores and juniors submit a Hayes Fellowship application package including a project proposal, a detailed budget, and a faculty mentor letter by the early-December deadline. Hayes candidates are also automatically considered for the Osberg Fellowship if eligible.
Selection criteria: Holistic review emphasizing GPA, project quality and impact, feasibility, and strength of faculty mentorship.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
An honors-only summer research and study fellowship providing up to $6,000 for research wages, domestic travel, and supplies. Open to UHP sophomores and juniors in good standing with a minimum 3.3 GPA. Awards are competitive and limited in number. The research mentor manages the awarded funds. Hayes candidates are also reviewed for the Osberg Fellowship when eligible.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Honors sophomores or juniors in good UHP standing with at least a 3.3 GPA who submit well-scoped, high-quality project proposals backed by strong faculty mentorship. The fellowship is named in memory of Arthur Hull Hayes Jr., SCU's first Rhodes Scholar.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Osberg Fellowship
📅 Deadline: Typically early December (aligned with the Honors scholarships cycle).
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.3+ GPA👥 ~Multiple fellows selected per year, subject to available funding. winners/yr🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Up to roughly $3,000 in supplemental funding for summer research wages or domestic travel. Stacks with other scholarships since it doesn't displace tuition-based aid.
📄
How to Apply
Honors sophomores and juniors submit an Osberg Fellowship application with a project plan, detailed budget, and faculty mentor endorsement by the early-December deadline. Osberg candidates are also automatically considered for the Hayes Fellowship if eligible — one application stream, two possible awards.
Selection criteria: Holistic review weighing GPA, project quality and feasibility, and faculty mentor support.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Honors-only fellowship providing up to $3,000 for summer research wages and/or domestic travel. Designed as preparation for nationally competitive graduate fellowships such as the Rhodes, Marshall, Schwarzman, Knight-Hennessy, Fulbright, Mitchell, Truman, Goldwater, Udall, Gates-Cambridge, and NSF GRFP. Open to UHP sophomores and juniors in good standing with a minimum 3.3 GPA. The research mentor manages award funds. Osberg candidates are also considered for the Hayes Fellowship.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: UHP sophomores or juniors in good standing with at least a 3.3 GPA who propose strong faculty-mentored research or creative projects. The fellowship was established in memory of Richard H. Osberg, longtime SCU English professor, department chair, and former Director of the Honors Program.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ Junior Onlypipelinehonors
Oxford Scholarship (Mansfield College)
📅 Deadline: Typically early December (Dec 4 at 11:59 PM PT).
Non-Renewable
Full Tuition
tuition and housing at Mansfield College, Oxford
✔ Stackable
⚠ Internal scholarship for SCU Juniors in the University Honors Program (UHP). Sponsors one student annually for a full year of study at Mansfield College, University of Oxford. Action Required: Must be an active SCU Honors student; application deadline is typically in early December of Junior year.
👥 ~One Honors junior per year. winners/yr🎓 Junior
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers Mansfield College tuition and housing for a full academic year of study abroad. Functions as a supplement rather than a replacement for your existing SCU aid package — but is limited to the Oxford study year only.
📄
How to Apply
Honors juniors apply through the Study Abroad-managed application portal for the Mansfield College, Oxford program. The package includes an internal application, study plan, and faculty references, due by the early-December deadline.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes academic record, quality and coherence of the Oxford study plan, and strength of faculty endorsements.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
An endowed University Honors Program scholarship that annually sponsors one junior for a full academic year of study at Mansfield College, University of Oxford. Application is managed through the SCU Study Abroad office, with a deadline of early December. Only one recipient is selected each year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: One Honors junior per year with strong academics, a compelling academic case for a year at Oxford, and strong faculty backing. This is an extraordinary opportunity reserved for a single UHP student annually.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Estimates are based on SCU materials, past awardee profiles, and published student stats. Actual thresholds shift each year.
- Oxford Scholarship – Funds one junior Honors student each year to study abroad at Mansfield College, Oxford.
- Osberg Fellowship – Up to $3,000 for Honors sophomores/juniors to support summer research wages or domestic travel.
- Hayes Fellowship – Up to $6,000 for Honors students’ summer research, study, or supply costs; available to sophomores/juniors.
FAQ
- Is admission automatic? No — students are invited to apply after admission to SCU. Highly selective review.
- Does it add time to my degree? No — Honors courses fulfill core curriculum requirements.
- When do I apply? Invitations are sent with admission offers; Early Action/Decision admits get priority.
- Are there extra scholarships? Yes — flagship scholarships like Johnson and Robert Warren are tied to Honors; additional research fellowships open once enrolled.
- What are the key deadlines? Apply to SCU by Jan. 7 for fall entry; Honors fellowships (Oxford, Osberg, Hayes) typically due Dec. 4 for juniors/sophomores.
Sources:
SCU Honors Program – https://www.scu.edu/honors/
Johnson Scholars Selection – https://www.scu.edu/honors/johnson/selection-process/
Robert Warren Scholarship – https://www.scu.edu/honors/johnson/
Oxford Scholarship & Fellowships – https://www.scu.edu/honors/scholarships/
Honors Fellowships/Research – https://www.scu.edu/honors/scholarships/
SCU Scholarship Deadlines – https://www.scu.edu/financialaid/deadlines/
⭐ What Santa Clara University Is Known For
Santa Clara University thrives at the intersection of rigorous academics, Jesuit values, and Silicon Valley opportunity. For students who want both strong technical skills *and* leadership, SCU delivers. You’ll find excellent teaching, hands-on projects, and real access to internships and companies right outside your classroom.
Top Program Spotlight:
Leavey School of Business – Entrepreneurship & Finance is nationally ranked: in U.S. News & World Report’ s 2025 Best Colleges, SCU’s Entrepreneurship program is tied for **No. 18**, and its Finance program tied for **No. 19**.
*Best Known For*: preparing students for startups, finance careers, and business leadership in Silicon Valley.
*(Note: SCU is *not* an R1 university; its Carnegie classification is “Doctoral/Professional Universities.”)*
- Engineering – SCU engineering is ranked among top schools nationally in “Best Engineering Majors” by College Factual: #7 in the U.S., and #3 in California.
- Undergraduate Teaching – U.S. News ranks SCU No. 17 (tied) nationally for Undergraduate Teaching.
- Management Information Systems (MIS) – SCU is tied for No. 20 in the U.S. in U.S. News for MIS.
- Accounting – SCU’s accounting program ranks tied No. 56 nationally.
- Computer Science / Undergraduate CS – climbing in rankings; U.S. News places SCU in its national university rankings with notice of Computer Science among popular and growing programs.
- Public Health & Finance-Accounting – According to Niche, SCU is ranked #24 in the U.S. for both Public Health and for Accounting & Finance.
Final Thoughts
Paying for Santa Clara University can feel daunting, but there are real ways families make it work. Automatic merit helps reduce the sticker price right away, flagship awards like Johnson Scholars provide transformative opportunities, and hidden gems (from first-gen support to ROTC) add up to meaningful savings. Pair that with SCU’s strong specialties in business, engineering, and teaching, and you get a Jesuit education rooted in Silicon Valley that still rewards planning and persistence.
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