Santa Clara University
- Diversity

RT
Currently attending or alumni?
Review this school!
Are you interested
in this school?
Saving your decision
Yes
Maybe
No

Your information has been sent to this school through our partnership with .

This school has been saved to your schools list.

This school has been removed from your recommended schools list.

For your next recommendation, check out .

Santa Clara University - Diversity - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.85

Diversity

Quick Stats

African American 4%
Asian American 17%
Hispanic 13%
International 3%
Native American 1%
White 46%
Unknown 16%
Historically Black College/University? No
Tribal College? No
Out-of-State Students 42%
Common States of Residence
  • Colorado
  • Foreign countries
  • Hawaii
  • Oregon
  • Washington
Student Age Breakdown Under 18: 0%
18-19: 29%
20-21: 36%
22-24: 15%
25+: 19%
Female Faculty 41%
Male Faculty 59%
Faculty Diversity African American: 2%
Asian American: 12%
Hispanic: 7%
International: 0%
Native American: 0%
White: 75%
Unknown: 4%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

While Santa Clara seems to have a pretty homogenous student population, (most students tend to be white, Catholic, and from the upper-middle class), there is still a sizable minority of students with different ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Most students are very accepting and supportive of diversity on campus and freely hang out with students of backgrounds different from their own.

While Santa Clara is religiously affiliated, it's run by the Jesuits, who are often considered the "hippies" of the Catholic church. As the Jesuit order emphasizes compassion and acceptance, the SCU religious community works hard to promote interfaith dialogue and inclusion of religious and sexual minorities.

See how you stack up against students who were accepted to this school . . .And calculate your chances!Register to get started

Santa Clara Student ReviewsWhat's This?

Sort by:

Loading...

Diversity at Santa Clara University

mcdonell52

'15

Political Science and Government

4.2
A-

Diversity

Very diverse for a private, Catholic school. There are lots of international students (primarily Asian). All religions are represented both in students and faculty (even Zoroastrianism). It's a little less than half Caucasian, so skin color is well represented for a school of its type. It can actually be a little off-putting at first how open everything is, particularly if you come from a pretty hard-line family or place insofar as religious or social values. There is a very open community of support for gays and lesbians. So, I found the diversity to be a very strong thing.

Jan 05, 2012

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Diversity at Santa Clara University

Bronco1

'14

Communications

4.2
A-

Life at SCU: Diversity

There is a diverse group of kids on campus, however I tend to notice there are an awful lot of white people. Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, and Pacific Islanders seem to have a presence on campus as well. It seems like everyone is from Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii.

Dec 14, 2011

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Diversity at Santa Clara University

bronco413

'13

Mechanical Engineering

4.6
A

Everyone Is from a Different Culture, but the Same Economic Background

it seems like almost everyone is from a different state, city, country, etc. Not very many locals, however, most people are still from the upper-class. I would feel comfortable going to any major city in America because I know I would know someone from there that went to Santa Clara.

Dec 13, 2011

Comment actions: Rate
Report as inappropriate/inaccurate

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

How diverse is the student body in the following areas?

How diverse is your personal circle of friends in the following areas?

How accepting is the campus community as a whole toward someone who falls into the minority (ethnic, sexual, or religious)?

How would you best describe your personal political beliefs?

How would you best describe the political beliefs of campus as a whole?

Facts

Gay Pride

The gay community at Santa Clara is small but well supported. Student organizations such as GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association) and GASPED, (Gay and Straight People Educating for Diversity)hold several events throughout the year, such as their annual "Drag Fashion Show," to educate students about issues in the gay community.

Political Activity

Santa Clara has a politically diverse student body, though how one views its political climate depends on his or her own affiliation. Liberal students often find the school too conservative, while many conservative students find it too liberal. But no matter where you fit on the political spectrum, there are plenty of ways to get involved politically on campus, through College Democrats, College Republicans, or the non-partisan Political Science Student Association.

Economic Status

Because tuition is so expensive, the majority of Santa Clara students come from affluent backgrounds. But while most students are financially well off, the administration tries to promote socioeconomic diversity by providing generous financial aid packages to low-income students.

Most Common Religions

Though roughly half of SCU students identify as Catholic, Campus Ministry works to promote religious diversity on campus by sponsoring interfaith activities and events.

Minority Clubs on Campus

The Multicultural Center is fairly prominent on campus, and is made up of several minority clubs supporting Asian, African American, Latin American, and East Asian groups. Though each club hosts its own events throughout the year, all clubs come together in the spring to host "Global Village," a day-long event featuring multicultural dance performances and ethnic food stands.

Buy The Guidebook

Buy a hard copy of "Santa Clara University 2012: Off The Record"

Read more about the book . . .Add to Cart Download the FREE Printable Summary (PDF)

Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at SCU

Name: Lauren Silk

Hometown: Bainbridge Island, WA

Major: English and French

see all student author bios > Become a student author to help update the guide for this school