Head-to-Head Comparison
Santa Clara University vs Stevens Institute of Technology
- Santa Clara Wins
- 17
- Tied
- 15
- Stevens Technology Wins
- 18
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Stevens Institute of Technology offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Santa Clara University achieves a higher graduation rate (88% vs 88%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $50,062 compared to Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346 for in-state paths. Students who choose Stevens Institute of Technology benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $108,772 at ten years.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Santa Clara
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $109,183 ten years after enrollment, 0% more than Stevens Institute of Technology
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,162, the lower of the two
Stevens Technology
- Lower cost: Average net price of $41,346, roughly $8,716 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Santa Clara graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (27% of degrees); Stevens Technology in Engineering (45%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Santa Clara University over Stevens Institute of Technology. Median earnings of $109,183 ten years after enrollment vs $108,772.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over Santa Clara University. Net price $41,346 vs $50,062.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over Santa Clara University. 4.3% mobility rate vs 2.2%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Santa Clara University and Stevens Institute of Technology split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Stevens Institute of Technology is the harder admit. It takes 48% of applicants, while Santa Clara University takes 48%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,426 to 1,446.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Stevens Institute of Technology sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Stevens Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $41,346, about $8,716 a year below Santa Clara University's $50,062. Graduates of Santa Clara University also borrow less: median debt of $19,162, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $34,864 before any change in aid. Choosing Stevens Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Santa Clara University graduates report median earnings of $109,183, compared with $108,772 at Stevens Institute of Technology. That is a 0% advantage. Set against borrowing, Santa Clara University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 0% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
Stevens Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4.3%; at Santa Clara University, it is 2.2%. Stevens Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Stevens Institute of Technology offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Stevens Institute of Technology to keep costs and debt down; pick Santa Clara University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Stevens Institute of Technology saves about $8,716 a year, yet Santa Clara University graduates earn $411 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Santa Clara University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, while Stevens Institute of Technology leans toward Computer Science & IT. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $50,062 runs well above Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Santa Clara University's enrollment, and Stevens Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Santa Clara University's enrollment of 6,552 far exceeds Stevens Institute of Technology's 4,222.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $27,000, against $19,162 at Santa Clara University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stevens Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Santa Clara University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Stevens Technology holds onto its admits more tightly: 21% of admitted students enroll, versus 18% at Santa Clara — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Santa Clara offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Stevens Technology does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA · Private nonprofit
Santa Clara University has a graduation rate of 88%, indicating strong student success and support. This high rate suggests that students are not only enrolling but also completing their degrees in a timely manner, which is crucial for their future careers.
The earnings data for graduates is impressive. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $109,183. This figure highlights the potential return on investment for students considering their financial futures. However, with a net price of $50,062 and median debt at $19,162, students should weigh the cost of attendance against their anticipated earnings.
Students who thrive at Santa Clara typically pursue majors in Business & Marketing, Engineering, Social Sciences, Communications, or Psychology. The campus environment supports those who are motivated and engaged in their studies. With a moderate acceptance rate of 48%, the university attracts a diverse group of students ready to take advantage of the academic opportunities available.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, is a great fit for students who are driven by a passion for technology and innovation. With 4,222 enrolled students and an acceptance rate of 48%, it attracts individuals looking for a solid education in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and the Arts. One standout aspect is the school's high graduation rate of 88%, which speaks volumes about student support and engagement throughout their academic journey.
After graduation, students from Stevens can expect impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $108,772 within ten years of completing their degree. This financial success reflects the value of a degree from Stevens, especially in high-demand areas like engineering and tech. The cost of attendance can be manageable, particularly when considering the school’s financial aid options, though it's important to weigh the net price against potential earnings.
When looking at the practical aspects of attending Stevens, the net price after aid stands at $41,346, which means students should prepare for a significant investment. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $27,000. The environment here tends to be ideal for those who are eager to engage with their studies and are committed to making the most of their college experience. This is a community that thrives on ambition and collaboration, setting students up for success both during and after their time at Stevens.
Rankings They Appear On
Santa Clara University and Stevens Institute of Technology appear together in 4 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Santa Clara University ranks #5 — Santa Clara University outranks Stevens Institute of Technology by 1 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Santa Clara's top program is Business Administration (27% of enrollment), while Stevens Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (45%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Santa Clara) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Stevens Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Santa Clara University is strongest in Social Sciences, Communications, while Stevens Institute of Technology concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Santa Clara University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Stevens Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 48% of applicants compared with 48% at Santa Clara University.
Which is more affordable, Santa Clara University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Stevens Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $41,346 after aid versus $50,062 at Santa Clara University.
Do Santa Clara University or Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Santa Clara University graduates earn more: median earnings of $109,183 ten years after enrollment, versus $108,772 at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Which has a better graduation rate, Santa Clara University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Santa Clara University has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 88%.
Santa Clara University vs Stevens Institute of Technology: which is better for social mobility?
Stevens Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4.3% versus 2.2%.
Should you choose Santa Clara University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Stevens Institute of Technology if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Santa Clara University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Santa Clara and Stevens Technology stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
