Santa Clara University vs University of the Pacific: which has better ROI?
Santa Clara University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $200,248 in 3.3 years versus 3.4 years at University of the Pacific, on median earnings of $109,183 vs $78,445 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Santa Clara University | University of the Pacific |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $50,062 | $25,447 |
| Total net cost | $200,248 | $101,788 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $109,183 | $78,445 |
| Median debt | $19,162 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 3.3 yrs | 3.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $1,016,212 | $499,912 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Santa Clara University or University of the Pacific?
University of the Pacific, at $25,447 a year after aid versus $50,062 — a gap of $24,615 a year, or $98,460 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Santa Clara University or University of the Pacific graduates earn more?
Santa Clara University graduates report a median $109,183 ten years after entry, $30,738 more than the $78,445 at University of the Pacific. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Santa Clara University or University of the Pacific?
Santa Clara University: its completers carry a median $19,162 in federal loans versus $19,500 at University of the Pacific, a difference of $338. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
88% of students finish at Santa Clara University, against 69% at University of the Pacific. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.