Santa Clara University Achieves New Heights in National Rankings
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 23, 2025 — Santa Clara University (SCU) has made notable strides in the latest “U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges” rankings, climbing to No. 59 from No. 63 among over 400 top national universities. This upward trajectory not only reflects SCU’s robust academic standing but also positions the university as the 35th best private institution in the United States, a jump from 38th last year.
Commitment to Academic Excellence
These rankings affirm Santa Clara’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to nurturing a thriving educational environment. The university’s focus on the teacher-scholar model fosters beneficial relationships between faculty and students, ensuring that learners receive a well-rounded education that not only equips them with knowledge but also encourages personal growth. “We are gratified to see our investments in outstanding faculty, innovative and relevant academic offerings, and student support reflected in these rankings,” remarked SCU President Julie Sullivan. This philosophy emphasizes developing students into well-rounded individuals who graduate not only with expertise in their fields but also with the values necessary to positively impact society.
Notable Rankings in Student Programs
In addition to overall national rankings, SCU earned accolades for its undergraduate teaching programs, placing 23rd among national institutions. The undergraduate business program showed improvement as well, rising to No. 64 nationwide. Several specific programs within the business discipline garnered noteworthy rankings:
- Accounting: No. 26 (up from No. 56 last year)
- Analytics: No. 33 (unranked last year)
- Entrepreneurship: No. 14 (moved up from No. 18 last year)
These advancements illustrate SCU’s longstanding tradition of producing industry-ready graduates and enhancing its programs to meet evolving market needs.
Ranking Highlights in Numbers
For an at-a-glance understanding of SCU’s current standing in various categories, here are the detailed rankings:
- No. 59 (tied) National Universities
- No. 23 (tied) Undergraduate Teaching Programs
- No. 14 Entrepreneurship
- No. 21 Management Information Systems
- No. 24 (tied) Finance
- No. 26 (tied) Accounting
- No. 64 (tied) Undergraduate Business Programs
These figures underline SCU’s academic rigor and its commitment to providing a quality educational experience.
Recognition Beyond Rankings
The university’s impressive showing in the U.S. News rankings is consistent with other prestigious evaluations. Santa Clara was ranked No. 38 out of 500 schools in the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse “2025 Best Colleges in the U.S.” and No. 65 in the “2025 Forbes’ List of America’s Top Colleges.” Furthermore, SCU received recognition as a “hidden value” and one of 75 “Dream Colleges” in a new book by veteran education journalist Jeffrey Selingo, which highlights the institution’s affordability, student engagement, and commendable career outcomes.
Understanding the Rankings Methodology
The U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on various metrics, including academic reputation, faculty resources, student selectivity, graduation rates, and alumni outcomes. This multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of each institution’s performance and provides prospective students with valuable insights into their educational options.
A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University is situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, an area known for its innovation and entrepreneurship. The beautifully landscaped 106-acre campus houses the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asís, blending a rich history with a forward-thinking academic environment. Recognized among the top 15 percent of national universities, SCU boasts exceptional four-year graduation rates and is identified by PayScale as one of the top 1 percent of universities for highest-paid graduates. The university has nurtured remarkable talent, including numerous Fulbright Scholars and four Rhodes Scholars, further cementing its reputation for excellence in education.
With undergraduate offerings extending across arts and sciences, business, and engineering, as well as graduate programs in six disciplines, Santa Clara University remains committed to blending high-tech innovation with a compassionate, socially conscious approach rooted in Jesuit, Catholic traditions. For more information about Santa Clara University and its academic offerings, visit www.scu.edu.
Media Contact
Deborah Lohse
SCU Media Communications
dlohse@scu.edu
408-554-5121
