Degree Dividend
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Santa Clara University vs Mission College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Santa Clara CA · vs · Public, Santa Clara CA

The verdict

Santa Clara University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $200,248 in 3.3 years versus 3.9 years at Mission College, on median earnings of $109,183 vs $50,936 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSanta Clara UniversityMission College
Net price / yr$50,062$5,080
Total net cost$200,248$10,160
Median earnings, 10 yrs$109,183$50,936
Median debt$19,162
Payback3.3 yrs3.9 yrs
20-year net return$1,016,212$41,360

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Santa Clara University vs Mission College: frequently asked questions

Is Santa Clara University or Mission College a better value?
Santa Clara University. It clears its $200,248 net cost in about 3.3 years versus 3.9 years at Mission College, on median earnings of $109,183 vs $50,936 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Santa Clara University or Mission College?
Mission College: $5,080/yr net price after aid versus $50,062/yr at Santa Clara University — a difference of $44,982 a year, or about $190,088 over four years.
Do Santa Clara University or Mission College graduates earn more?
Santa Clara University graduates earn a median $109,183 ten years after entry, versus $50,936 at Mission College — a $58,247 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.