Santa Clara's Promise Aid Programs
The Promise is Santa Clara University's financial aid commitment to students from low- and middle-income families. Beginning in fall 2027, admitted California first-year students whose family income is $150,000 or less, with typical assets, receive aid that covers 100% of their demonstrated need for tuition, fees, housing, and food after the Expected Family Contribution, also known as EFC on the CSS Profile. Admitted California transfer students from families earning $150,000 or less, with typical assets, will receive at least $35,000 in scholarships and grants.
There's no separate application. Apply to Santa Clara, file your financial aid forms, and if you qualify, our Promise to you will be right there in your financial aid offer.
Find your Promise
Meets
100%
of your demonstrated need
For California students entering Santa Clara as first-years whose family earns $150,000 or less. Your aid covers tuition, fees, housing, and food beyond what your family is expected to contribute, and it renews every year.
Includes the Cristo Rey Promise: graduates of any Cristo Rey Network high school, in any state, have 100% of demonstrated need met.
At least
$35,000
in scholarships and grants
For California students transferring to Santa Clara whose family earns $150,000 or less. You're guaranteed at least $35,000, with more possible depending on your family's circumstances.
Coming from a community college? A Transfer Admission Agreement can guarantee your admission, too.
The Promise is already working
Santa Clara has been building toward this for years, and the results show.
$71,358
average grants and scholarships for Fall 2026 incoming SCU Promise students
1,000+
students expected in the Promise over the next four years
<$19K
average federal loan debt for SCU grads who borrow, vs. $29,560 nationally
43
community colleges with guaranteed-admission agreements
Our goal is to ensure every accepted student has the financial support they need to benefit from a Santa Clara University education.
Part of a long-standing commitment to access
The SCU Promise joins programs that already help students from every background get to Santa Clara and thrive once they're here.
LEAD Scholars Program
23 years of mentoring and support for first-generation students, with a 97% first-year retention rate and a 91% graduation rate.
Posse Foundation
Full-tuition scholarships for student leaders from the Los Angeles area since 2023.
College Track
A partnership welcoming cohorts of College Track scholars to promote educational equity.
American Talent Initiative
A 130+ member effort to enroll more low- and middle-income students at high-graduation-rate colleges.
Ready for more?
Start your application or talk with our team.