You would borrow a median $19,162 — about $218 a month for ten years. Graduates earn a median $109,183 ten years after starting, so the debt clears in roughly 0.3 years of the salary premium.
Yes — on the federal figures this is one of the fastest-paying degrees in the country.
Under roughly 15% of gross pay, repayment is generally considered manageable alongside rent and living costs.
Every dollar you win is a dollar you never repay — and it moves the 0.3-year payback above. We list 1 scholarship tied to Santa Clara University.
See all 1 Santa Clara University scholarships →We may earn a commission if you take a loan through a provider listed here. It never changes the figures on this page — the debt, salary and payback come from the US Department of Education, not from lenders.
The typical graded university clears its debt in 1.3 years on median earnings of $57,089 against $22,500 of debt. Santa Clara University clears its debt faster than that, and its graduates earn $69,663 a year more than a US worker with only a high-school diploma.
| Nearby university | Grade | Debt | Earnings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey Mudd College California | A | $25,000 | $138,687 | 0.3 yrs |
| University of California Davis California | A | $13,000 | $80,838 | 0.3 yrs |
| Pomona College California | A | $11,782 | $77,779 | 0.3 yrs |
| University of Southern California California | A | $18,000 | $92,498 | 0.3 yrs |
| Southern California University of Health Sciences California | A | $11,400 | $70,649 | 0.4 yrs |
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard — earnings and debt cover students who received federal financial aid and blend every subject taught at the institution. Figures imported 28 Aug 2026. This page is information, not financial advice.