Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University admits a moderately selective applicant pool — approximately 53% of applicants receive offers. While the LSAT remains important, the school's broader band of admitted scores means applicants near the median have a realistic pathway to admission when supported by a compelling overall application. Enrolled students posted LSAT scores from 157 at the 25th percentile to 162 at the 75th percentile, a typical 5-point spread that reflects a fairly defined applicant profile. This profile makes Santa Clara University a reasonable match school for applicants whose LSAT scores fall in the mid-range of the reported distribution.

Santa Clara University offers a lower cost of attendance relative to most ABA-accredited law schools. The full-time non-resident tuition is $0 per year, which is below average for ABA-accredited law schools. Living costs off campus are estimated at $35,618 per year. The lower tuition base means that even without scholarship funding, graduates face a more manageable debt burden compared to higher-cost peers. This cost advantage can be especially meaningful for students planning careers in lower-salary public service, government, or public interest law. Applicants should still compare total net cost carefully, accounting for fees and living expenses, when weighing options.

Santa Clara University awards grant aid to 65% of full-time students. Among recipients, the median grant award is $40,000 per year, with a range from $30,000 to $57,262. While a moderate share of the enrolled class benefits from scholarship funding, applicants in the upper portion of the LSAT distribution are better positioned to negotiate merit awards. Prospective students should factor in the uncertainty around scholarship eligibility when projecting net cost and are encouraged to compare offers across peer institutions before committing.