Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Financial Responsibility

Students assume responsibility for all costs incurred as a result of enrollment at Santa Clara University (SCU). It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of their student account balance and financial aid information, and maintain current valid contact information at all times to ensure receipt of all University correspondence in a timely manner. All correspondence is sent from the University using the student’s official SCU email address. Students are responsible for checking their Santa Clara email address for important information and updates.

Financial Terms and Conditions

Students are required to accept the financial terms and conditions outlined by the University in order to continue their enrollment at SCU. Students will be prompted to accept the terms and conditions, on an annual basis, upon their login to the Workday portal. Students must login to their Workday portal to read and agree to the Annual Online Agreement. By accepting SCU’s Annual Online Agreement, students are agreeing to pay and to abide by all policies and procedures as published.

Billing and Payment Procedures

Student Accounts and Billing

Students assume responsibility for all costs incurred as a result of enrollment at Santa Clara University and agree to abide by applicable University policies and procedures.

Students may designate a third party (e.g., parent, family member, spouse) to be an Authorized Payer for the purpose of reviewing student account/billing information and remitting payments on the student’s behalf. However, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to make sure all financial obligations are completed by the published deadlines.

Students receive monthly bills electronically via a third-party vendor that are accessible through the Workday portal. Billing notification will be sent to the student’s assigned SCU email inbox and to the email address of any Authorized Payer. Students may also forward their billing statements electronically to any third party they authorize. Information on a student’s account cannot be provided to any third-party payer unless a completed Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) form authorizing its release by the student is on file with the University.

Students are obligated to pay the applicable tuition and fees associated with their enrollment status by the published term payment deadline, regardless of receiving a billing statement. Students enrolling after the initial payment deadline may be required to prepay for their enrollment. Registered students who do not withdraw formally from the University are responsible for all tuition and fees assessed to their student account as well as any penalty charges incurred for nonpayment. Nonattendance does not relieve the student of his or her obligation to pay tuition and fees.

Billing Dates and Deadlines

• Fall 2026: Billing available August 1; payment due August 21
• Winter 2027: Billing available December 1; payment due December 21
• Spring 2027: Billing available March 1; payment due March 21
• Summer 2027: Billing available May 1; payment due May 21

Payment Methods

Santa Clara University offers a variety of payment methods to students and their parents to assist with their financial obligations.

Payment by Electronic Check

A student or Authorized Payer may make online payments by authorizing a fund transfer directly from their personal checking or savings account through a third-party website accessible via the Workday portal. The payer is able to make electronic check payments online without incurring a transaction fee. Payments made by electronic check will be subject to a 7-day calendar hold.

Payment by Mail

Payments for student account charges are accepted by mail. The payer should download a copy of the student’s billing statement, enclose it with a personal or cashier’s check payable to “Santa Clara University,” and mail both items to: SCU Payment Processing, P.O. Box 550, Santa Clara, CA 95052-0550. Payments made by paper check will be subject to a 10-day calendar hold.

Payment in Person

Payments for student account charges may be made in person by check only at the OneStop Office located in the Admissions and Enrollment Services Building. Payments made by paper check will be subject to a 10-day calendar hold. The OneStop Office is not able to initiate any form of electronic payment. However, there are computer kiosks located in the OneStop Office for the convenience of students and their payers who wish to make electronic payments. The University does not accept credit cards as payment for student account charges.

Payments made by guaranteed funds are not subject to holds.

Extended Payment Options

For students and their families wishing to spread payments over a period of time, the University offers term payment plans, which are available through the online billing system via Workday portal or Authorized Payer Transact portal. There is a $40.00 non-refundable, fixed fee to enroll in these plans each term, but no interest is charged during the payment term. Information about these plans is available on the Bursar’s Office website.

Delinquent and Late Payments

If by the due date, all charges on a student’s account have not been cleared by payment, financial aid, or loan disbursement, a late payment fee will be assessed to the student’s account and an account hold will be placed on the student’s account. The institution reserves the right to also require students with repeated instances of late payments to prepay for future enrollment.  If a student's prior-term payment history shows at least 2 consecutive terms of late payments, a registration hold may be placed on the account that would require prepayment with guaranteed funds for a minimum of three consecutive terms before pre-payment registration hold is lifted. A hold on a student’s account prevents the release of diplomas or certificates, prevents access to any registration services, and may limit access to other University services. Students who have unpaid accounts at the University or who defer payment without approval are subject to dismissal from the University.

Delinquent student accounts may be reported to one or more of the major credit bureaus and may be forwarded to an outside collection agency or an attorney for assistance in recovering the debt owed to the University. All unpaid balances referred to an outside collection agency will accrue 10 percent interest per annum on the balance remaining from the date of default in accordance with California state law. The student is responsible for all costs incurred to collect outstanding debt, including but not limited to accrued interest, late fees, court costs, collection fees, and reasonable attorney fees. All outstanding bills and costs of collection incurred by the University must be paid in full prior to a student re-enrolling at the University. Returning students whose balances were previously referred to an external collection agency due to a delinquent account will be required to prepay for future enrollment.

Refunds and Payment Policies

Students may be eligible for a refund if they have a credit balance on their student account. Refunds are processed after the end of the add/drop period of each term/semester. Payments made are subject to the holds as outlined within the “Payment Methods” above before refunds can be issued. Refunds will not be processed for any overpayment on the account unless the student has completely withdrawn or dropped units causing a credit balance.

Dewars Tuition Insurance Protection Plan

The University has partnered with A.W.G. Dewar, Inc. to provide a low-cost, tuition insurance protection plan. This plan protects students and their families against financial loss due to an unexpected complete withdrawal from the University, for diagnosed medical or mental health reasons. It is highly recommended that graduate students purchase tuition insurance coverage for all sessions, including summer sessions. If you wish to purchase coverage for any session, please contact Dewar directly at trp@dewarinsurance.com or 617-774-1555. The tuition insurance protection plan covers 90% of the student’s out of pocket tuition costs for diagnosed medical and mental health related withdrawals that occur after the first week of the term. Information on the tuition insurance protection plan can be found on the Bursar’s Office website. 

Qualifying Hardship Withdrawals

Santa Clara degree-seeking students who completely withdraw from the University or who are administratively withdrawn from the University after the third week of the term due to a qualifying hardship not covered by Dewars Tuition Insurance Protection Plan may be eligible for an allocation from the student hardship fund for 25 percent of the tuition charges for that term. Qualifying hardships include (1) death, disabling injury, medical emergency, or loss of job of the parent or guardian of a dependent student; (2) loss of job by an independent student; (3) medical or other emergency involving a dependent of an independent student; and (4) deployment for active military duty of a student. The vice provost for student life or designee, in consultation with the Financial Aid Office, will determine qualifying hardships and any allocation from the student hardship fund. Students must submit a request for reconsideration of tuition charges or for an allocation from the student hardship fund not later than 90 days from the end of that term.

Billing Disputes

If a student wishes to dispute any charge on his or her billing statement, a written explanation should be forwarded to: Santa Clara University, Bursar’s Office, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053-0615. The Bursar’s Office must receive written correspondence within 60 days from the billing statement date on which the disputed charge appeared.

Communication should include the student’s name, SCU identification number, the amount in question, and a brief explanation. Payment for the amount in question is not required while the investigation is in progress. However, all other charges need to be paid by the payment deadlines. If the disputed amount is deemed to be invalid, then an adjustment will be made on the student’s account. If the amount in question is found to be valid, payment must be submitted to the Bursar’s Office immediately upon notification.

Tuition

Tuition Refund Policy and Processes

Students may be eligible to receive a refund due to excess financial aid or change in enrollment. Refunds are not provided for an overpayment on an account. The refund process begins after the late registration period of each term. Students must have a credit balance before a request can be processed. Students should enroll in direct deposit, prior to requesting a refund, to obtain their funds quickly and securely. Refunds requested by check are delayed significantly.  Payments received by personal check will have a 21-day hold before a refund can be issued; a 5-day hold will be imposed for electronic check payments. For more information on the refund criteria and process, see www.scu.edu/bursar/refund.

Policy

Students who formally withdraw from the University or drop courses are eligible for a tuition refund in accordance with the policies outlined below. No refunds are made for registration fees, student activity fees, or course audit fees.

The effective date used for the determination of any tuition refund is the date on which the student drops his or her course online—not the last date of attendance. Students who fail to drop a course, even if they do not attend, or fail to notify the University of their intent to withdraw, regardless of the reason, will be responsible for payment of all tuition and fee charges.

Neither informing an individual faculty member, an academic department, nor the Dean’s Office constitutes an official withdrawal from the University. The official date of withdrawal from the University cannot be backdated prior to the date on which the student notifies the Program office of the intent to withdraw.

Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters

Students who drop courses or withdraw from the University during the fall, winter, or spring term will receive a tuition refund in accordance with the following:

• By the end of the first week of classes: A 100% tuition refund, less any applicable fees
• By the end of the second week of classes: A 50% tuition refund, less any applicable fees
• By the end of the third week of classes: A 25% tuition refund, less any applicable fees
• After the third week of classes: Zero tuition refund
  
  

Tuition and Student Fees

2026 Summer Session

Tuition Per Unit is $707

The Board of Trustees, upon the recommendation of the president and the provost, sets the annual academic year tuition rate for all programs. Students are charged tuition based on the rates approved by the Board of Trustees. Review and verify the official tuition and fee rate schedule on our website. Tuition and fee rate differences found in other publications will not be honored.  

2026–27 Academic Year
(Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer)

Tuition Per Unit is $728
Audited courses Per Unit is $364

Admission Application Fees
Application Fee (non-refundable) $50
International Graduate Student Orientation Fee $75

Registration Fees
Late Registration Fee $100

Student Association Fees
Student Association Fee (per quarter) $35
International Student Fee (per quarter) $45

Student Health Center Fees
Student Health Insurance (annual) $3,901 unless waived by the student
Cowell Center Immunization Non-Compliance Fee $100

Summer Sessions

Santa Clara University Degree Students

Students admitted to degree status at Santa Clara University enrolled during summer sessions are charged the summer sessions tuition rate.  It is highly recommended that students purchase tuition insurance coverage for summer sessions. If students choose to purchase coverage should contact Dewar directly at trp@dewarinsurance.com or 617-774-1555.

Tuition Refunds for Summer Sessions

Students who drop a course(s) during summer sessions are eligible for a refund of tuition charges in accordance with the policies outlined below. No refunds are made for registration fees or course audit fees.

Students who wish to drop a course during summer sessions are responsible for initiating the drop through the Workday portal.  The effective date used for the determination of any refund of tuition is the date on which the student drops the class online, not the last date of attendance by the student. The official date of dropping the course cannot be backdated prior to the date on which the student drops the class.

Students who drop a course during summer sessions will receive a tuition refund in accordance with the following:

• 100% Tuition Refund - Students must drop their course(s) online by the applicable deadline for each session. Please refer to the Summer calendar for specific dates.
• 50% Tuition Refund - Students must drop their course(s) online by the applicable deadline for each session. Please refer to the Summer calendar for specific dates.

Students who drop a course are eligible for a tuition refund in accordance with the schedule above. Enrolling in the tuition insurance plan prior to the beginning of the summer sessions will help cover tuition charges for medically related withdrawals after the second day of classes.

Sources of Financial Aid for Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries

The types of aid available to our graduate students include the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries (GPPM) Scholarship, Rev. Francis L. Markey Women in Ministry Fellowship, and Federal Financial Aid in the form of loans.

*International students are not eligible to receive federal or state financial aid, but they may receive scholarship funds.

GPPM Scholarships and the Rev. Francis L. Markey Women in Ministry Fellowship do not require students to file a FAFSA for eligibility. The Scholarships are detailed below.

GPPM Scholarship

GPPM scholarships are awarded by the GPPM office to currently enrolled and newly accepted students according to need. Scholarship amounts typically range from 25% to 50% of annual tuition costs and are based on need. The FAFSA is not required to be considered for a GPPM scholarship.

Rev. Francis L. Markey Women in Ministry Fellowship 

Purpose:

Rev. Francis L. Markey Women in Ministry Fellowships provide financial assistance for women in parish or diocesan ministry who demonstrate financial need and who are enrolled in the Graduate Programs in Pastoral Ministries (GPPM) to obtain an MA degree.

Application Requirements:

• Currently working or have demonstrated intent to work in parish or diocesan ministry
• Enrolled or recently accepted into the GPPM
• Have demonstrated financial need
• Application including all supporting documentation must be submitted by July 15, 2026 for Fall 2026 quarter

Requirements of those selected as Markey Fellows:

• Maintain academic progress toward the degree as a student in good standing
• Attend events arranged by the GPPM with other fellowship recipients.

To apply please submit this google form by July 15, 2026. The application requires the following:

• A Personal Statement addressing the following points:
          - The importance of women in ministry
          - The specific contributions you have and/or are prepared to make to your diocese
          - The difference this fellowship will make for you in pursuing the Master’s degree
          - Anything else you would like the committee to know about yourself
• Two letters of recommendation. At least one letter must be from a pastoral leader in your parish or diocese.
• A résumé highlighting relevant experience and ministry

Supporting documentation may be mailed to:
Graduate Programs in Pastoral Ministries
Santa Clara University
500 El Camino Real
Kenna Hall, 110
Santa Clara, CA 95053-0337

Recommenders should email supporting documentation to pastoralministries@scu.edu

Federal Financial Aid Resources

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a financial assessment tool that aids in assessing financial need. Any student interested in obtaining federal loans is required to file a FAFSA. For specific questions regarding Federal Loans or FAFSA information, please contact 408-551-1000 or email onestop@scu.edu

Graduate Student Loans

Students may be able to take advantage of a variety of student loan programs to help cover the cost of education. Typically, these programs offer low interest rates and repayment plans designed for students. In many cases, loan payments do not start until after the student has graduated or becomes enrolled less than half-time.

Federal Student Loans

Most students who apply for financial aid are offered some loans that are sponsored by the federal government. These loans are typically included in financial aid awards.

• William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan: The Federal Direct Loan program, generally known as Federal Stafford Loans, provides students with a simple and convenient way to borrow money to pay for their education.
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan: Federal Graduate Direct PLUS Loans from the U.S. Department of Education are available for students seeking master’s, doctoral, or specialist degrees. The Federal Graduate Direct PLUS Loan enables graduate students to borrow up to the cost of education minus any other financial aid.

Return of Title IV Funds

When a student recipient of federal Title IV financial aid officially withdraws or unofficially withdraws by ceasing to attend, federal regulations require a Return of Title IV funds calculation to determine if any federal Title IV aid must be repaid. Federal Title IV aid includes the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan, and the William D. Ford Federal Direct PLUS Loans (parents and graduate students).

Repayment Calculation

The amount of federal Title IV aid to be repaid is calculated based on the percentage of time completed in a quarter. This involves calculating the amount of Title IV aid earned by the student and the amount of institutional charges for that quarter. Prior to withdrawing for the term, students are encouraged to contact a financial aid advisor. When unearned federal Title IV funds are repaid, they are returned by the program up to the disbursed amount for each program. Unearned federal Title IV funds are repaid in the following order:

• Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford loans
• Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford loans
• Federal Direct PLUS loan received on behalf of the student Notification

Students will be notified via e-mail and Workday of financial aid changes no later than 45 days after the determination that a student withdraws. The return of funds process typically results in a balance due on the student’s account, which is the student’s responsibility to pay. Current information on a student’s financial aid award status and Bursar’s account is available on Workday.

Matriculated students must be enrolled in a minimum of 4 units to be eligible for federal financial aid.

If a student withdraws or drops below the 4-unit minimum, s/he may no longer be eligible to receive student loans. The account will be adjusted accordingly, and the aid will be returned to the appropriate program. If a refund has been issued, these funds must be reimbursed to Santa Clara University immediately. For more information on financial aid forfeiture, visit the Financial Aid Office website (www.scu.edu/financialaid) or make an appointment with a financial aid counselor.

Deadlines

The University Financial Aid Office has established deadlines for the programs it administers. All students requesting financial aid from the University should contact the Enrollment Services Center at the earliest possible date and request specific deadline information and appropriate application materials. All financial aid deadlines are posted on the financial aid website at www.scu.edu/financialaid.

The Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries awards merit- and need-based scholarships to enrolled students on an annual basis.  Currently, renewing applications at the beginning of every academic year is not required to be considered for these scholarships.

Repetition of Courses

Students may only repeat a course in which they have received a grade of less than C minus (C-). In such cases, the highest grade for the repeated course will be used in the GPA calculation. This “best attempt” policy is in keeping with best practices and will apply to the calculation of both overall GPA and major GPA. Units will still be awarded only once for the course, and grades for all attempts will remain on the student’s transcript. Certain courses, such as special topics courses and performance courses, are repeatable, and students will receive a grade and units for each successful completion.

Evaluation

All students enrolled at Santa Clara University are evaluated for satisfactory academic progress at the end of each quarter after the Office of Registrar has released official grades.

Appeal Process

There may be extenuating circumstances encountered by a student that affect his/her ability to be academically successful during an enrollment period. These circumstances include personal injury or illness that occurs during an enrollment period; death of an immediate family member or legal guardian during an enrollment period; or other documented circumstances that were unexpected in nature and beyond control of the student. In these cases, cumulative grade point average or completion rate may decline resulting in the student not meeting the minimum qualitative and quantitative standards previously described. If the student wishes to appeal the suspension from financial aid eligibility, a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal form must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office. If the appeal is approved, s/he will be placed on financial aid probation (separate from academic probation). Students will be notified of the appeal results in writing. A FAFSA must be on file with the Financial Aid Office for appeal consideration.

Loss of Eligibility

A student who has lost eligibility to participate in federal, state, and University aid programs for reasons of academic progress can regain that eligibility only by enrolling at Santa Clara University at his/her own expense. The mere passage of time will not restore eligibility to a student who has lost eligibility for failure to make satisfactory academic progress. Students who have been dismissed from Santa Clara University for academic reasons, but who are subsequently readmitted are not automatically eligible to participate in federal, state, or institutional aid programs and will be placed on financial aid warning. Re-admission decisions are separate from funding decisions.

Regaining Eligibility

Students who fail to meet satisfactory academic progress and who choose to enroll without financial aid may request a review of their academic record after any term in which they are enrolled without the receipt of financial aid. If the standards are met at the time of review, eligibility may be regained for subsequent terms of enrollment in the academic year.

Other Program Eligibility

Veterans and Veterans’ Dependents Assistance

Santa Clara University is an approved facility by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) to certify eligible students for VA benefits under applicable federal legislation and regulations. including Chapter 35 (child of a deceased or 100 percent disabled veteran, widow of any person who died in the service or died of a service-connected disability, or wife spouse of a veteran with a 100 percent service-connected disability), Chapter 31 (rehabilitation), Chapter 30/1606 (active duty Montgomery G.I. Bill®), Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill®), and Yellow Ribbon.

Veterans who qualify for any of the above educational benefits are eligible for a waiver of the admission deposit. Veterans must submit a copy of their Certificate of Eligibility to the School Certifying Official, accept their enrollment, and self-identify as a veteran in order for the waiver to apply. Individuals interested in attending under any of the veteran assistance programs should contact the Veterans Administration and the University Office of the Registrar.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at Veterans Benefits Administration - Education and Training.

Cancellation of Financial Aid and Return of Funds

Students who withdraw (officially or unofficially) from the University and who have federal financial aid are subject to the federal regulations applicable to the return of Title IV funds (R2T4). This R2T4 regulation is based on EARNED and UNEARNED aid at the time of total withdrawal from all classes for a term. These regulations assume that a student earns their  financial aid based on the period of time the student remains enrolled during a term. A student is obligated to return all unearned federal financial aid funds governed under Title IV other than those earned under the college work-study program.

Unearned financial aid is the amount of disbursed Title IV that exceeds the amount of Title IV aid earned in accordance with the federal guidelines. During the first 60 percent of the term, a student earns Title IV funds in direct proportion to the length of time the student remains enrolled. That is, the percentage of time during the term that the student remains enrolled is the percentage of disbursable aid for that period that the student has earned. A student who withdraws after the 60 percent point of the enrollment term earns all Title IV aid disbursed for the period. The amount of tuition and other charges owed by the student plays no role in determining the amount of Title IV funds to which a withdrawn student is entitled. Please note this policy is separate and distinct from the Santa Clara University credit balance refund policy. Refund Policies & Processes - Santa Clara University.

All funds must be returned to federal programs before funds are returned to state or University financial aid programs or to the student. The return of funds allocation will be made in the following order for students who have received Federal Title IV assistance:

• Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans (other than Direct PLUS Loans)
• Subsidized Federal Direct Loans
• Federal Direct PLUS Loans
• Federal Pell Grants for which a return is required
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants for which a return is required
• TEACH Grants for which a return is required
• Iraq and Afghanistan Grants for which a return is required

Student Verification of Information

The United States Department of Education requires all institutions disbursing federal financial aid funds to verify the accuracy of the information students and their families submit as a basis for the aid. Each year, a percentage of students receiving federal financial aid funds are randomly selected for verification of the information on which their financial aid was based. Students selected for verification may be required to submit additional documents and verify information, such as household size and number of family members enrolled in college. The University reserves the right to request additional information for verification purposes for any student offered aid and to verify the attendance of other children in college. When verified information differs from that originally submitted, it may result in changes to aid eligibility.  In some cases, this may result in the repayment of funds already received. Failure to comply with the request for additional information will result in the cancellation of financial aid funds.