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Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, CA·Private nonprofit·1,379 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a top-tier program and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $93,200 within 10 years; exceptional 95% graduation rate.

11%
Accept
1,379
Students
N/A
Net Price
95%
Grad Rate
$93,200
Earnings
10 yr
$13,500
Debt

About This School

Claremont McKenna College is a private nonprofit institution located in Claremont, California with approximately 1,379 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 11%. In-state tuition is $64,150 per year. The graduation rate is 95%, and the typical graduate earns $93,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, California. It has a curricular emphasis on government, economics, public affairs, finance, and international relations. CMC is one of the seven members of the Claremont Colleges consortium.

This is a strong option for students drawn to economics, government, finance, or public affairs — the curriculum is tightly focused rather than broadly diffuse, which suits students who already know their direction. With a 95% graduation rate, median earnings of $93,200 ten years out, and unusually low median debt of $13,500, the financial outcomes are genuinely impressive for a liberal arts college. The 11% acceptance rate makes it a reach for most applicants, but the small size (under 1,400 undergrads) and access to six neighboring Claremont colleges gives it a rare combination of intimacy and breadth.

Founded
1946

Notable Alumni

Robin WilliamsAkshata MurtyCaroline SunshineSteve BullockJulie SweetAdam KokeshRandy Steven KraftDavid DreierMason Vale CottonRichard PaulRonald RidenhourHenry Kravis

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1514
Reading 75th %ile770
Math 75th %ile790

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite34

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$64,150
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,150
Avg Net Price
N/A
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants19%
Median debt at graduation$13,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
95%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
96%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$93,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$68,200
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$93,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 6.9x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White37%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino15%
Asian16%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,379 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, CA

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Other Schools in California

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Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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