Located 40 miles south of San Francisco in CaliforniaÍs Silicon Valley, Santa Clara University offers rigorous undergraduate curricula in the arts and sciences, business, and engineering. It has nationally recognized graduate and professional schools in business, law, engineering, pastoral ministries, counseling psychology, education, and theology. Founded in 1851 by the Society of Jesus as ñSanta Clara College,î SCU is CaliforniaÍs oldest operating institution of higher learning. It was established on the site of Mission Santa Clara de AsÕs, the eighth of 21 California missions. The 8,800-student university draws upon more than 450 years of the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person for service and leadership. Santa Clara University is a Jesuit, Catholic university that educates citizens and leaders to build a more just, humane, and sustainable world. In addition to abundant career opportunities provided by our ideal location, students have access to a variety of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. The 106-acre campus features beautiful gardens and landscaping, and has more than 51 buildings, including 10 residence halls, two libraries, a student center, and extensive athletic facilities. The 2013 edition of U.S. News & World ReportÍs ñBest Collegesî ranked SCU among masterÍs universities: ´ No. 2 comprehensive university in the West ´ Highest average freshman retention rate (93%) in the West ´ Highest average graduation rate (86%) in the West ´ No. 14 undergraduate engineering program in the U.S. Named as one of the nationÍs top 75 institutions for undergraduate education by Forbes magazineÍs ñList of AmericaÍs Top Colleges,î SCU was also listed as one of the top 50 in the nation for the best value among private universities in KiplingerÍs Personal Finance magazine. The undergraduate business program is No. 35 in the nation, according to ñThe Best Undergraduate B-schools,î by Bloomberg Businessweek magazine.