U.S. News & World Report has named Santa Clara University one of the top 22 “Colleges With the Best Return on Investment (ROI)” in the United States, reaffirming its reputation as one of the best investments in higher education. This recognition underscores Santa Clara’s ability to provide students with an education that leads to strong career outcomes and long-term financial success.
Santa Clara appears on the list tied with Yale. Stanford and SCU are the only two Bay Area universities included in this year’s rankings. Additionally, SCU is one of only two Jesuit universities on the list, along with Georgetown.
The ranking highlights institutions that offer exceptional value by assessing factors such as alumni salaries, net cost after financial aid, and student debt. U.S. News ranked schools with the highest 40-year net present value, a metric that compares the cost of college to a student’s potential future earnings. The rankings are based on data from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, which evaluated the return on investment for 4,600 colleges.
Santa Clara’s recognition by U.S. News follows previous rankings by Payscale, which has consistently highlighted SCU among the top universities for early and mid-career salaries of graduates. These rankings further demonstrate that a Santa Clara degree is not only an investment in knowledge and experience but also a pathway to significant financial and professional success.
“Inclusion on the ‘Colleges With the Best Return on Investment’ list is a testament to the incredible value of a Santa Clara education,” said Santa Clara University President Julie Sullivan. “Through a combination of academic excellence, strong industry connections, and a commitment to ethical leadership, we prepare our students to thrive in their careers and make meaningful contributions to society.”
Santa Clara University consistently ranks among the top universities in the country, particularly in fields such as technology, business, and engineering. In the past year, SCU was No. 38 in the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse “2025 Best Colleges in the U.S” rankings. The university’s prime location in the heart of Silicon Valley provides students with unparalleled access to internships, mentorship opportunities, and innovative career pathways.
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