About Santa Clara University Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara University (SCU) was founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). SCU is California’s oldest operating institution of higher learning and one of the oldest Catholic universities in the American West. SCU currently ranks in the top 5 Best Catholic Universities in the United States. As a Jesuit institution, SCU emphasizes a holistic approach to education that integrates intellectual, ethical, and spiritual development. The University's mission is rooted in the Jesuit tradition of social justice, service to others, and the pursuit of knowledge for the greater good. SCU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs for almost 10,000 students through six colleges: the