| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is a private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California, about 35 miles east of Los Angeles. It's one of the seven institutions that make up the Claremont Colleges consortium, which also includes Pomona College, Harvey Mudd College, Scripps College, and others. These colleges share resources, facilities, and allow cross-registration—so students at CMC can take classes at the other schools and vice versa.
Founded: 1946
Type: Private liberal arts college
Student Population: Around 1,300–1,400 undergraduates
Acceptance Rate: Selective (usually around 10–13%)
Location: Claremont, California
CMC is known for its strong emphasis on government, economics, international relations, and public affairs, though it also offers a broad liberal arts education. It has several unique academic centers, such as:
The Rose Institute of State and Local Government
The Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum (hosts frequent speakers and events)
The Keck Center for International and Strategic Studies
Very active student government and pre-professional culture.
Students often engage in internships, research, and leadership roles.
CMC has Division III athletics and is part of the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS) sports teams.
The campus is known for its sunny weather, beautiful setting, and collaborative, tight-knit community.
CMC is frequently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the U.S. It has a strong reputation for preparing students for careers in business, finance, politics, and public policy. It’s especially well-known for:
Leadership training
Alumni networks in the business and political world
Internship opportunities, particularly in L.A., D.C., and New York
CMC divides its curriculum into departments and interdisciplinary programs, allowing for flexibility and cross-disciplinary studies. Here are the main academic disciplines:
Government (Political Science)
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
Public Policy
International Relations
Legal Studies (concentration)
Economics
Economics-Accounting
Financial Economics
Environment, Economics, and Politics (EEP)
Leadership Studies
Philosophy
History
Religious Studies
Literature
Film Studies (through consortium)
Science and Management (joint program with Keck Science Department)
Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (through Keck Science)
Mathematics
Neuroscience
Psychology
Sociology
Anthropology
Organizational Studies
CMC encourages students to combine fields or create their own majors. Some popular interdisciplinary majors include:
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
Environment, Economics, and Politics (EEP)
Science and Management
Students can do dual majors or off-campus majors in collaboration with other Claremont Colleges (e.g., Computer Science at Harvey Mudd or Media Studies at Pomona).
Computer Science is offered through a joint program, most often with Harvey Mudd or Pomona.
CMC also offers a variety of minors, including:
Data Science
Asian Studies
Gender and Sexuality Studies
Human Rights, Genocide, and Holocaust Studies
Spanish, French, and other languages (through Scripps/Pomona)
Students often engage in research through:
The Rose Institute of State and Local Government
The Lowe Institute of Political Economy
The Kravis Leadership Institute
The Keck Center for International and Strategic Studies
These programs provide hands-on research opportunities even for first-year students.
Course Program Name (Major) |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Government (Political Science) |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Economics |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Economics-Accounting |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
International Relations |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Public Policy |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Psychology |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
History |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Philosophy |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Literature |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Religious Studies |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Mathematics |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Neuroscience |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Science and Management (Joint with Keck Science Dept.) |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Environment, Economics, and Politics (EEP) |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Organizational Studies |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Sociology |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics (via Keck) |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Computer Science (through Harvey Mudd or Pomona) |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
|
Media Studies (through Pomona or Scripps) |
4 Years |
$65,300 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Arts in Finance (MA in Finance) |
1 Year (Post-BA) |
Fully funded for selected students |
Here’s a table of some of the PhD programs at CGU (affiliated with CMC through the Claremont Colleges), including their duration and estimated tuition fees per year:
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
PhD in Economics |
5–7 Years |
~$52,000 |
|
PhD in Political Science |
5–7 Years |
~$52,000 |
|
PhD in Psychology |
5–6 Years |
~$52,000 |
|
PhD in Education |
4–6 Years |
~$52,000 |
|
PhD in Information Systems & Technology |
4–6 Years |
~$52,000 |
|
PhD in Philosophy |
5–6 Years |
~$52,000 |
|
PhD in History |
5–6 Years |
~$52,000 |
|
PhD in Computational & Data Sciences |
4–6 Years |
~$52,000 |
|
PhD in Public Policy |
5–7 Years |
~$52,000 |
|
PhD in Organizational Behavior |
5–6 Years |
~$52,000 |
Highly Ranked liberal arts college in the U.S.
Emphasis on global leadership and public affairs
Small class sizes and a strong student-faculty ratio (8:1)
Access to 7 Claremont Colleges through cross-registration
Strong network of alumni and career development programs
Located near Los Angeles, a hub for business, culture, and international affairs
Offers over 30 majors and many interdisciplinary programs
Popular majors among international students:
Economics
International Relations
Government
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
Psychology
Science & Management
Need-based financial aid is available to international students.
CMC is need-aware for international applicants (financial need is considered during admission).
Competitive merit-based scholarships may also be available.
Financial aid covers tuition, room, board, and other expenses depending on need.
Common Application or Coalition Application
Academic transcripts (translated into English if necessary)
English language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test
Standardized tests (SAT/ACT) are optional for most applicants
Letters of recommendation
Personal essay & supplemental questions
Financial aid application (CSS Profile for aid consideration)
International Place (I-Place): Shared resource center for all Claremont Colleges supporting international students
Visa and immigration advising (F-1 visa support)
Orientation for international students
Cross-cultural programming and events
Academic advising, career counseling, and internship opportunities
Students can participate in over 100 clubs and organizations
CMC is part of the Claremont Colleges Consortium, allowing access to shared libraries, dining, events, and academic opportunities across 7 colleges
Safe, suburban environment with sunny weather year-round
Close to Los Angeles for internships, cultural events, and travel
CMC accepts applications through:
Common Application
Coalition Application
QuestBridge (for eligible students)
You can choose any one of these platforms — all are equally accepted.
Application Type |
Deadline |
Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
|
Early Decision I (ED I) |
November 1 |
Mid-December |
|
Early Decision II (ED II) |
January 5 |
Mid-February |
|
Regular Decision (RD) |
January 5 |
Late March |
ED is binding; apply only if CMC is your top choice.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Completed Application |
Common App or Coalition App |
|
School Report & Transcripts |
Official high school transcripts |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
2 required (1 from a counselor, 1 from a teacher) |
|
Personal Essay & CMC Supplement |
Includes why CMC and how it fits your goals |
|
Standardized Tests (Optional) |
SAT/ACT are optional through 2025 |
|
English Proficiency (Intl. only) |
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) |
|
Application Fee |
$70 (fee waivers available for eligible students) |
|
Financial Aid Forms (if applying for aid) |
CSS Profile required (especially for international students) |
Additional documents:
Proof of English proficiency
Certified translations of academic records (if not in English)
CSS Profile for financial aid consideration
Interview (virtual or in-person): Recommended, especially for international students
Supplemental materials (for arts, music, etc. — optional)
Additional recommendations or achievements (if applicable)
CMC uses a holistic admissions approach, evaluating:
Academic performance
Leadership and extracurricular involvement
Community service
Intellectual curiosity
Fit with CMC’s mission (leadership, public affairs, etc.)
CMC is need-aware for international students (financial need is considered).
Need-based aid is available to both U.S. and international students.
Must submit the CSS Profile to be considered for aid.
If admitted, students must confirm enrollment by May 1 (Regular Decision).
Early Decision applicants must commit upon acceptance.
Create a Common App or Coalition App account
Submit transcripts and test scores (if using)
Write and polish your essays
Secure recommendation letters
Submit the application before deadline
Complete financial aid forms (if needed)
CMC has one major intake per year for undergraduate students:
Intake Term |
Application Opens |
Deadline |
Semester Starts |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fall (August Start) |
August (prior year) |
Nov 1 (ED I) / Jan 5 (ED II & RD) |
Late August |
CMC does not offer Spring or Summer admission for first-year students.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
High School Diploma |
Must have completed secondary education (or equivalent) |
|
Academic Excellence |
Competitive GPA, strong coursework in core subjects |
|
Challenging Curriculum |
Preferably includes honors, AP, IB, or A-Level courses (if available) |
Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their graduating class.
Test |
Requirement |
|---|---|
|
SAT/ACT |
Optional through Fall 2025 |
|
Subject Tests |
Not required |
|
Test Scores (if submitted) |
SAT middle 50%: ~1450–1530, ACT: ~33–35 |
Ranking Organization |
Ranking / Rating |
|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Not Ranked (QS focuses on research universities; most liberal arts colleges are not included) |
|
US News & World Report – National Liberal Arts Colleges |
Top 10 (typically ranks between #6–#9) |
|
Forbes – Top Colleges |
Top 25 Overall; Top 5 among liberal arts colleges |
|
Niche.com |
A+ Rating; Top 10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in America |
|
Times Higher Education (THE) |
Not individually ranked (Liberal arts colleges often excluded from global rankings) |
|
Wall Street Journal / THE – Best U.S. Colleges |
Top 30 Overall |
|
Princeton Review |
High ratings in: Career Services, Internships, and Professors |
|
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU/Shanghai) |
Not ranked (focuses on large research institutions) |
Scholarship Name |
Type |
Eligibility |
Amount / Coverage |
Available to International Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Need-Based Financial Aid |
Need-Based |
Demonstrated financial need (via CSS Profile) |
Up to full tuition, room, and board |
Yes |
|
The McKenna Achievement Award |
Merit-Based |
Outstanding academic and leadership potential |
Partial to full tuition |
Yes |
|
The Seaver Leadership Scholarship |
Merit-Based |
Strong leadership, community involvement |
Significant tuition support |
Yes |
|
Interdisciplinary Science Scholarship |
Merit-Based |
Interest in science + leadership potential |
Partial tuition |
Yes |
|
The Robert Day Scholars Program |
Merit-Based (for juniors/seniors) |
Strong academic performance in economics/finance |
Full tuition (for 1-2 years) + career support |
Yes (for enrolled CMC students) |
|
Kravis Scholarship |
Merit-Based |
Exceptional leadership and academic success |
Award amount varies |
Yes |
|
Military/Veteran Benefits |
External/Need-Based |
U.S. military-connected applicants |
(Yellow Ribbon Program participant) |
U.S. Citizens/Permanent Residents only |
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Campus Location |
Claremont, California (suburban Los Angeles County) |
|
Campus Size |
~69 acres |
|
Campus Type |
Residential liberal arts college |
|
Housing Requirement |
On-campus housing required for first 2 years |
|
Total Residence Halls |
12+ (including North Quad, Mid Quad, South Quad, and The Apartments) |
|
Room Types Available |
Singles, Doubles, Triples, and Suite-style apartments |
|
Meal Plan |
Mandatory for on-campus students; includes several dining halls (7C access) |
Housing Type |
Description |
Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Double Room (Standard) |
Shared with 1 roommate |
~$10,700 |
|
Single Room (if available) |
Private room |
~$12,800 |
|
The Apartments (Upperclassmen) |
Suite-style housing, includes kitchen |
~$13,000–$14,000 |
|
Meal Plan (19 meals/week) |
Required for all students in residence halls |
~$9,150 |
Total Room & Board Estimated Cost: ~$19,850/year
Facility |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Resources |
Modern classrooms, research centers, 7C library system access |
|
Recreation |
Roberts Pavilion (gym, pool, fitness), tennis courts, sports fields |
|
Dining Options |
Collins Dining Hall + access to 7-Campus dining halls |
|
Student Support Services |
Health & counseling services, tutoring, career center, international support |
|
Security |
24/7 Campus Safety + ID card access to residence halls |
|
Wi-Fi & Tech |
Campus-wide high-speed Wi-Fi, computer labs, printing services |
CMC students are known for being intellectually curious and highly motivated. Beyond the classroom, many participate in research, internships, and student-led academic organizations. The college emphasizes leadership, economics, government, and international relations, and many students take part in programs through the school's research institutes like the Rose Institute and the Kravis Leadership Institute.
Despite its size, there’s a lot happening socially. From dorm events to student-run concerts, open mic nights, and cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone. Students come from diverse backgrounds, and the campus celebrates inclusivity through cultural clubs and student affinity groups. As part of the Claremont Colleges Consortium, students can easily attend events and join organizations at neighboring schools like Pomona, Scripps, Pitzer, and Harvey Mudd.
Living on campus is a big part of the CMC experience. Students live in residence halls for at least the first two years, and most stay on campus all four years. Dorms are social, well-maintained, and often host themed events, study nights, and hangouts. The sense of community is strong, and upperclassmen often mentor younger students.
CMC students enjoy access to Collins Dining Hall and can also eat at any of the 7C (Claremont Colleges) dining halls. The food is generally rated well, with a range of options, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and international dishes.
There are over 100 student clubs and organizations, covering everything from pre-professional groups (like Model UN and Consulting Club) to arts, music, volunteerism, sports, and student government. CMC encourages leadership, and many students hold leadership roles in clubs or community initiatives.
CMC is part of the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS) athletic program, which competes in NCAA Division III. There are 21 varsity sports teams, and a lot of students also join club and intramural sports. The Roberts Pavilion is a state-of-the-art fitness and athletic center available to all students.
CMC provides physical and mental health support through on-campus services, and students can access wellness services across the 5C campuses. The college promotes a balanced lifestyle and well-being through events, workshops, and counseling services.
CMC has one of the strongest career centers among liberal arts colleges. The Soll Center for Student Opportunity helps students with internships, networking, job placements, and grad school applications. Many students land internships in L.A., New York, D.C., or even internationally—often as early as their first year.
About 50% of CMC students study abroad during their time at the college. Programs are available on every continent, and the college supports international experiences through scholarships and advising.
The Soll Center for Student Opportunity at CMC plays a key role in helping students explore and achieve their career goals. It offers:
1-on-1 career counseling
Resume and interview workshops
Internship funding
Employer networking events and job fairs
Alumni mentorship and connections
Graduate school application support
Employment Rate After Graduation: ~94% employed or in grad school within 6 months of graduation
Internship Participation: 90%+ of students complete at least one internship
Top Fields for Employment:
Finance and Consulting
Government and Public Policy
Technology and Data Analytics
Law and Legal Services
Education and Research
Top Employers Include:
Goldman Sachs
McKinsey & Company
J.P. Morgan
Morgan Stanley
U.S. Department of State
Bain & Company
Teach For America
CMC graduates are also highly competitive for top graduate programs. Popular grad school destinations include:
Harvard University
Stanford University
University of Chicago
Yale University
Columbia University
London School of Economics
UC Berkeley
Median Starting Salary: ~$75,000–$85,000/year
Top 25% Salary: Over $100,000/year (especially in finance & tech roles)
CMC’s graduates consistently rank among the highest-paid liberal arts college alumni in the U.S.
CMC also supports international placements and offers programs to help students launch careers globally. Students interested in diplomacy, international business, or NGOs often find opportunities abroad through partnerships and alumni.
Overall Acceptance Rate: 10%–11%
Early Decision (ED) Acceptance Rate: 20%–25%
Regular Decision Acceptance Rate: ~7%–9%
CMC receives around 6,000–7,000 applications per year and admits about 600–700 students.
Around 50% of each entering class is admitted through Early Decision.
The process is need-aware for international students, meaning financial need may be considered during admission decisions.
Strong applicants usually have:
Top 10% class rank
High GPAs (unweighted ~3.9+)
Strong leadership, extracurriculars, and essays
Optional SAT/ACT scores (mid-50% SAT: 1450–1530 | ACT: 33–35)
Claremont McKenna College
500 E. Ninth Street
Claremont, CA 91711
United States
Claremont is a quiet, suburban city in eastern Los Angeles County.
Known as the "City of Trees and PhDs" due to its leafy streets and academic vibe.
CMC is part of the prestigious Claremont Colleges Consortium, with six other colleges nearby (Pomona, Harvey Mudd, Scripps, etc.).
The campus is set against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, offering beautiful views and outdoor recreation opportunities.
