College Spotlight: Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University, or SCU, is a medium sized, private, Jesuit university in the heart of Silicon Valley, California. With an enrollment of just over 5,500 undergraduate students, it offers large school diversity of academics and activities with the benefit of small school class size and access to professors and resources.
Founded in 1851, SCU is the oldest institution of higher learning in the State of California. At the heart of the campus is Mission Santa Clara de Asis, one of the original missions established by Father Junipero Serra in 1777. It is located just minutes from the San Jose International Airport, which makes it a quick hop on a nonstop flight from Maui. It is down the street from the famed Levi Stadium, home to the San Francisco 49ers.
Across the street from the school is a CALTrain station, which offers train service all up and down the SF peninsula, serving San Francisco in the north to Gilroy in the south. There is absolutely nothing to complain about the location of this school!
SCU offers a wide range of academic pursuits across three different colleges for undergraduate studies: The College of Arts and Sciences, The Leavey School of Business, and The School of Engineering. When a student applies to SCU, they will apply to one of these three schools to explore over 50 majors and minors. In addition to class work, students are offered independent research and internship opportunities to expand their learning platform. Of particular interest to many students are the broad range of internships available due to the close proximity to so many high-tech companies in Silicon Valley. Whether your interest is in a large, established corporation or a small start-up, one can usually find something that will enhance your learning and help find a job upon graduation.
The Santa Clara Broncos field 19 Division I athletic teams (nine for the men and ten for the women), including beach volleyball for the ladies, and golf, basketball and tennis for both. They compete in the West Coast Conference. In addition to the DI teams, SCU has 17 club sports teams that compete nationally. So, if you don’t want the high-level competition of a varsity sport, you might be able to continue your favorite activity in the club venue.
Like all private schools, tuition is not inexpensive. However, there are a variety of scholarships and grants available to students with exceptional scholastic aptitude and/or need. Given that public schools in California are also fairly expensive to out-of-state students, it is worth it to look at whatever possible financial aid packages might come your way. (Make sure to complete your FAFSA early for the best shot at merit aid!)
Take a look and see if what Santa Clara University has to offer fits your goals and expectations for your college experience. It might just fit your needs.
Maryanne Hogan is an Independent College Counselor working with students on Maui. If you would like more information or to contact her, visit her website at thecollegeauntie.com.