Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University is a private Jesuit university located in Santa Clara, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. Founded in 1851, it is the oldest operating institution of higher education in California. The university is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and is part of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Santa Clara University offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees through six schools and colleges, including programs in arts and sciences, business, engineering, education, law, and theology. Its Silicon Valley location influences strong connections to technology, entrepreneurship, and ethics in professional practice. Students are often drawn to its integration of liberal arts education, professional programs, and Jesuit values emphasizing social responsibility and community engagement.

Santa Clara University was founded in 1851 by Jesuit priest John Nobili on the site of Mission Santa Clara de Asís in Santa Clara, California. Originally established as Santa Clara College, it was chartered by the State of California in 1855 and awarded California’s first bachelor’s degree in 1857. In 1912, Santa Clara College was elevated to university status, reflecting its expanding academic programs. The campus developed around the historic mission, and over time the institution added professional schools, including business, engineering, law, and education. Women were first admitted in 1961, marking a significant transition to coeducation. In 1985, the institution adopted the name Santa Clara University. Today, Santa Clara University continues its Jesuit Catholic tradition while operating as a comprehensive university serving undergraduate and graduate students in Silicon Valley.