Head-to-head comparison
Santa Clara University vs Chamberlain University-California: which has better ROI?
Option A Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara University
- Net price / year
- $50,062
- Earnings, 10 years
- $109,183
- Payback
- 3.3 yrs
Option B Rancho Cordova, CA
Chamberlain University-California
- Net price / year
- $36,559
- Earnings, 10 years
- $92,405
- Payback
- 3.3 yrs
Santa Clara University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $200,248 in 3.3 years versus 3.3 years at Chamberlain University-California, on median earnings of $109,183 vs $92,405 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Santa Clara University | Chamberlain University-California |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $50,062 | $36,559 |
| Total net cost | $200,248 | $146,236 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $109,183 | $92,405 |
| Median debt | $19,162 | $20,919 |
| Payback | 3.3 yrs | 3.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $1,016,212 | $734,664 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, Santa Clara University or Chamberlain University-California?
Chamberlain University-California, at $36,559 a year after aid versus $50,062 — a gap of $13,503 a year, or $54,012 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
The short answer
Do Santa Clara University or Chamberlain University-California graduates earn more?
Santa Clara University graduates report a median $109,183 ten years after entry, $16,778 more than the $92,405 at Chamberlain University-California. 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.
The short answer
Which leaves students with less debt, Santa Clara University or Chamberlain University-California?
Santa Clara University: its completers carry a median $19,162 in federal loans versus $20,919 at Chamberlain University-California, a difference of $1,757. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.