| 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 | |
Founded: 1887
Location: Claremont, California (35 miles east of Los Angeles)
Type: Private liberal arts college
Motto: "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (from 1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Campus Size: 140 acres
Endowment: Over $3 billion (as of 2023), one of the largest endowments per student in the U.S.
Enrollment: Approximately 1,750 undergraduate students
Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Mascot: Cecil the Sagehen
School Colors: Blue and Gold
Pomona College is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, small class sizes, and emphasis on close student-faculty collaboration.
Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) only
Majors: Over 50 majors are offered, spanning the arts, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies.
Popular Majors: Economics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Psychology, Biology, and International Relations.
Study Abroad: Approximately 50% of students participate in study abroad programs across six continents.
Academic Calendar: Semester system
Notable Features:
Students can take classes at other Claremont Colleges (e.g., Harvey Mudd, Scripps, Pitzer, Claremont McKenna).
Emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and research opportunities.
Pomona College is one of the most competitive colleges in the U.S., with an acceptance rate typically between 6-9%.
Admissions Type: Need-blind for U.S. students; need-aware for international students.
Financial Aid: Pomona meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students and has a no-loan policy in its financial aid packages.
Standardized Tests: Test-optional (as of recent years), but students may submit SAT/ACT scores.
Application Deadlines:
Early Decision I: November 1
Early Decision II: January 1
Regular Decision: January 1
Pomona College offers a vibrant campus experience, with a focus on community, inclusivity, and collaboration.
Housing: Guaranteed for all four years. Most students live on campus.
Clubs & Organizations: Over 250 student-run clubs and organizations.
Athletics: Pomona competes jointly with Pitzer College as the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens in NCAA Division III.
Arts & Culture: Strong emphasis on the arts, with facilities like the Pomona College Museum of Art and various theater and music programs.
Dining: Known for having some of the best college food in the nation, Pomona’s dining halls emphasize sustainability and diverse cuisine.
As a member of the Claremont Colleges, Pomona students have access to shared resources and facilities, including:
Libraries
Dining halls
Clubs and organizations
Cross-registration at other campuses
Other members of the consortium include Claremont McKenna College, Scripps College, Harvey Mudd College, Pitzer College, and two graduate institutions (Claremont Graduate University and Keck Graduate Institute).
Pomona has produced many influential alumni across various fields, including politics, business, arts, and academia. Some notable alumni include:
Kris Kristofferson – Singer-songwriter and actor
James Turrell – Renowned artist specializing in light and space
Barack Obama (attended briefly before transferring to Columbia University)
Bill Keller – Former executive editor of The New York Times
Jennifer Doudna – Nobel Prize-winning biochemist
Pomona College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the U.S. by publications like U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and The Princeton Review. It is known for its combination of academic rigor, financial accessibility, and a supportive, tight-knit community.
Pomona College offers 48 majors and 40 minors across the following academic divisions:
Arts
Humanities
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences
Interdisciplinary Studies
Pomona also allows students to create self-designed majors if they have unique interdisciplinary interests not met by existing programs.
A. Arts
Art
Art History
Studio Art
Dance
Music
Theater
Media Studies (offered in partnership with other Claremont Colleges)
B. Humanities
Classics
Classical Languages and Literature
Classical Studies
English
History
Linguistics
Philosophy
Religious Studies
C. Natural Sciences
Astronomy (in partnership with Harvey Mudd College)
Biology
Chemistry
Geology
Molecular Biology
Neuroscience
Physics
Mathematics
Environmental Analysis (interdisciplinary program)
D. Social Sciences
Anthropology
Economics
Politics
Psychology
Sociology
E. Interdisciplinary Programs
Africana Studies
Asian American Studies
Asian Studies
Chicana/o-Latina/o Studies
Environmental Analysis
Gender & Women’s Studies
International Relations
Latin American Studies
Media Studies
Public Policy Analysis
Science, Technology, and Society
F. Other Special Options
Pre-Health and Pre-Medical Programs: While not a formal major, Pomona provides advising and coursework for students preparing for medical school or other health-related graduate programs.
Pre-Law: Advising and resources for students interested in legal careers.
Self-Designed Major: Students may work with faculty to create a personalized, interdisciplinary program.
In addition to its majors, Pomona offers minors in many of the fields listed above, as well as in a few specialized areas. Examples of minors include:
Computer Science (offered by Harvey Mudd but available to Pomona students)
Dance
Linguistics
Environmental Analysis
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)
Cross-Registration: As a member of the Claremont Colleges Consortium, Pomona students can cross-register for courses at any of the other Claremont Colleges (Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Scripps, Pitzer). This allows students access to a much wider range of courses, such as engineering (offered by Harvey Mudd) or specialized policy courses at Claremont McKenna.
Study Abroad: About 50% of Pomona students study abroad through more than 60 programs in over 30 countries.
Research Opportunities: Students have extensive opportunities to engage in research, particularly during the summer, supported by grants and faculty mentorship.
Environmental Analysis Program
A popular interdisciplinary program that integrates science, policy, and social science approaches to address environmental challenges.
Public Policy Analysis (PPA)
A highly interdisciplinary program that combines economics, politics, and other fields with practical internship experiences.
Science, Technology, and Society (STS)
An interdisciplinary program examining the relationships between science, technology, and societal change.
Media Studies (Collaborative Program)
Media Studies is a collaborative major offered through the Claremont Colleges, emphasizing the critical study of media and cultural production.
Linguistics and Cognitive Science
An interdisciplinary program combining linguistics, psychology, and neuroscience.
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Arts |
|
|
|
- Art History |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Studio Art |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Dance |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Music |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Theater |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Media Studies |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
Humanities |
|
|
|
- Classics (Classical Languages and Literature) |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- English |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- History |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Philosophy |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Religious Studies |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Linguistics |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
Natural Sciences |
|
|
|
- Astronomy |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Biology |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Chemistry |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Physics |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Geology |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Molecular Biology |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Neuroscience |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Mathematics |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Environmental Analysis |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
Social Sciences |
|
|
|
- Anthropology |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Economics |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Politics |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Psychology |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Sociology |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
Interdisciplinary Studies |
|
|
|
- Africana Studies |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Asian American Studies |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Asian Studies |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Chicana/o-Latina/o Studies |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Gender & Women’s Studies |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- International Relations |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Public Policy Analysis |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Science, Technology, and Society (STS) |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
Special Options |
|
|
|
- Pre-Health and Pre-Medical Programs |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Pre-Law Advising |
4 years |
$60,992 |
|
- Self-Designed Majors |
4 years |
$60,992 |
Location: Claremont, California, USA (approximately 35 miles east of Los Angeles).
Type: Private Liberal Arts College.
Student Population: Approximately 1,750 undergraduates, with around 11-12% international students from over 60 countries.
Academics: Known for rigorous academics, small class sizes (8:1 student-faculty ratio), and strong faculty-student collaboration.
Claremont Colleges Consortium: International students benefit from cross-registration at nearby Claremont Colleges (Claremont McKenna, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer).
Global Community: Pomona is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, with students from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and geographical backgrounds.
Need-Based Financial Aid: Pomona is one of the few U.S. colleges that offers need-aware admissions for international students but meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
Academic Excellence: Highly ranked as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States, offering world-class undergraduate education.
Resources for International Students:
Support from the International Student Mentor Program (ISMP).
Access to the International Place (I-Place), which provides visa assistance, cultural programs, and international student support.
Location: Proximity to Los Angeles provides access to internships, cultural experiences, and career opportunities.
International students follow the same application process as U.S. students, with additional requirements:
Application Platforms: Common Application or Coalition Application.
Required Documents:
High school transcripts (translated into English if necessary).
Teacher and counselor recommendations.
English Language Proficiency Tests:
TOEFL (recommended score: 100+ iBT)
IELTS (recommended score: 7.5+)
Duolingo English Test (recommended score: 125+)
SAT/ACT (optional but can be submitted if available).
Personal essay and supplemental essay questions.
Financial Aid Documentation (if applying for aid):
CSS Profile.
International Student Financial Aid Application (if applicable).
Early Decision I: November 1.
Early Decision II: January 1.
Regular Decision: January 1.
Need-Aware for International Students: While Pomona is need-blind for U.S. applicants, it is need-aware for international applicants, meaning financial need is considered during the admissions process.
100% Financial Need Met: For those admitted, Pomona provides generous financial aid packages to cover the full cost of attendance.
Type of Admission: Undergraduate only (Pomona does not offer graduate programs).
Admission Policy: Need-blind for U.S. students; need-aware for international students.
Application Platforms: Common Application or Coalition Application.
Application Deadlines:
Early Decision I: November 1
Early Decision II: January 1
Regular Decision: January 1
Application Fee: $70 (fee waivers are available for eligible students).
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 6-9% (highly selective).
1. Choose an Application Plan
Pomona offers three admission plans:
Early Decision I (ED I): For students who are confident Pomona is their first choice. This plan is binding, meaning you must attend Pomona if admitted.
Early Decision II (ED II): Another binding option with a later deadline (January 1).
Regular Decision: Non-binding and allows students to apply to multiple colleges.
2. Submit Your Application
Pomona accepts applications through the following platforms:
Common Application
Coalition Application
QuestBridge Application: For high-achieving, low-income students who are QuestBridge Finalists.
The application must include:
Personal Information:
Biographical and demographic details.
Academic history.
Essays:
Personal Statement (Common App or Coalition App): A general essay (650 words max) about your background, identity, or interests.
Pomona Supplemental Essays:
Why are you interested in Pomona?
Short responses to specific prompts (changes annually).
Application Fee: $70 (fee waivers are available if financial hardship is demonstrated).
3. Submit Required Documents
Pomona requires the following documents:
High School Transcript:
Submit official transcripts showing grades from 9th to 12th grade.
Provide mid-year grades when available.
Teacher Recommendations:
Two letters of recommendation from teachers in core academic subjects (English, math, science, social science, or foreign language).
Teachers should highlight your academic abilities and classroom contributions.
Counselor Recommendation:
A recommendation letter or school report from your high school counselor.
Standardized Tests (Optional):
SAT or ACT scores are optional (test-optional policy). If you choose to submit scores:
SAT Code: 4607
ACT Code: 0372
International students may need to demonstrate English proficiency if their primary language is not English (see below).
English Language Proficiency Tests (For International Students):
TOEFL (Recommended Score: 100+ iBT).
IELTS (Recommended Score: 7.5+).
Duolingo English Test (Recommended Score: 125+).
Waived for students who have attended English-language schools for at least two years.
School Profile:
Submitted by the counselor, providing context about the school’s curriculum and grading system.
4. (Optional) Submit Additional Materials
Portfolio (For Arts Applicants):
Students applying in the fields of music, theater, dance, or visual arts can submit a portfolio via SlideRoom.
Additional Recommendation Letters:
You may submit extra letters from coaches, employers, or mentors, but this is optional.
5. Financial Aid Application (Optional)
Pomona offers generous financial aid and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students.
U.S. Applicants:
Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Submit the CSS Profile (required for institutional aid).
International Applicants:
Submit the CSS Profile or the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA).
Financial aid is need-aware for international applicants.
6. Interview (Optional)
Pomona offers optional interviews to help the admissions team get to know you better. Interviews can be conducted:
Virtually: Through an online platform.
On-Campus: If you visit Pomona.
Alumni Interviews: For students unable to visit campus, alumni interviews are available in select regions.
It is not required to have an interview, and applicants are not penalized if they are unable to schedule one.
Pomona College has a single intake for undergraduate students, which begins in the fall semester (August). The college does not offer spring or winter intakes. Below are the key details:
Intake Term |
Application Deadlines |
Decision Notification |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Semester |
|
|
|
- Early Decision I |
November 1 |
Mid-December |
|
- Early Decision II |
January 1 |
Mid-February |
|
- Regular Decision |
January 1 |
Late March |
Enrollment: Students admitted during Early Decision I and II are required to commit to Pomona as it is a binding agreement.
Deferrals: Students may request to defer admission for a gap year (usually up to one year).
Pomona College evaluates applicants holistically, taking into account academic achievements, personal qualities, extracurricular involvement, and potential contributions to the community. Below is the breakdown of eligibility for U.S. and international students:
Educational Background:
Applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing high school/secondary school education.
A rigorous course load (e.g., Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), A-levels, or honors classes) is highly recommended.
GPA Requirements:
Pomona does not have a minimum GPA requirement but admitted students typically have excellent academic records, often in the top 10% of their graduating class.
Standardized Tests:
Test-Optional Policy: SAT or ACT scores are optional for all applicants.
For students who submit scores:
SAT: Competitive scores are generally 1450-1560 (middle 50%).
ACT: Competitive scores are generally 33-35 (middle 50%).
English Proficiency Tests (For International Students):
TOEFL (Recommended: 100+ iBT)
IELTS (Recommended: 7.5+)
Duolingo English Test (Recommended: 125+)
Proficiency requirements may be waived if the student has attended an English-medium school for at least two years.
Extracurricular Activities:
Active participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, volunteer work, leadership roles, or academic competitions is highly valued.
Pomona looks for depth of involvement (commitment to a few key activities) rather than breadth.
Essays:
Strong, reflective essays are crucial. The Common Application essay and Pomona’s supplemental essays are opportunities to showcase individuality, values, and passions.
Letters of Recommendation:
Two teacher recommendations from core academic subjects (English, math, science, social science, or foreign language).
A counselor recommendation or school report is required.
Leadership and Community Engagement:
Evidence of leadership, community service, or significant contributions in any field is a strong asset.
International students must meet the same academic and personal criteria as U.S. applicants but with additional considerations:
Educational Systems: Pomona accepts various national education systems, such as:
British (A-levels or GCSEs)
Indian (CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards)
International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma)
Other equivalent high school qualifications.
English Proficiency:
If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo (waivers may apply if you studied in English for at least two years).
Financial Aid:
Pomona is need-aware for international applicants, meaning your financial need will be considered during the admissions process. However, if admitted, the college guarantees to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need.
Ranking System |
Ranking/Rating |
Category |
|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Not Ranked (QS primarily focuses on large universities) |
Global Liberal Arts Colleges are typically excluded |
|
US News & World Report |
#3 |
National Liberal Arts Colleges (Top Tier) |
|
Forbes |
#4 |
America’s Top Colleges |
|
Niche |
A+ (Overall Grade) |
Best Colleges in America |
|
Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education |
#6 |
Top U.S. Colleges |
|
Princeton Review |
Featured in "Top 10 Colleges for Academics" |
Academics & Quality of Life |
Scholarship/Funding Program |
Eligibility |
Award Amount |
Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Need-Based Financial Aid |
U.S. and international students |
Up to 100% of demonstrated need |
- Pomona meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. |
|
Pomona Grant |
All students with financial need |
based on need |
- Institutional grant funded by Pomona. |
|
Federal Pell Grant |
U.S. students with significant financial need |
Up to $7,395/year |
- Awarded to U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens based on FAFSA. |
|
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) |
U.S. students with exceptional financial need |
Up to $4,000/year |
- Available for U.S. students who qualify for Pell Grants. |
|
Work-Study Program |
U.S. and international students with need |
Approx. $2,500/year |
- Provides part-time, on-campus employment to help students cover personal expenses. |
|
Yellow Ribbon Program |
U.S. military veterans and eligible dependents |
Covers remaining tuition/fees |
- For eligible U.S. veterans under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. |
|
QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship |
Low-income, high-achieving U.S. students |
Covers full cost of attendance |
- Available for students who match with Pomona through QuestBridge. |
|
International Student Financial Aid |
International students with demonstrated need |
Up to 100% of demonstrated need |
- Financial aid packages include scholarships and work-study. |
|
External Scholarships |
All students |
N/A |
- Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships (e.g., Fulbright, Rotary, etc.). |
Facility |
Details |
Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Campus Location |
Located in Claremont, California, a safe and picturesque college town 35 miles east of Los Angeles. |
N/A |
|
Campus Size |
140 acres, featuring modern academic buildings, green spaces, libraries, and student housing. |
N/A |
|
Housing Guarantee |
Housing is guaranteed for all four years for undergraduate students. |
Included in Room and Board |
|
Residence Halls |
16 residence halls on campus, offering a mix of singles, doubles, and suites. |
N/A |
|
Accommodation Type |
Mostly traditional residence halls with shared common areas; some suite-style and apartment-style housing for upperclassmen. |
N/A |
|
Room and Board Cost |
Covers housing and meal plans: |
$20,000/year (2024-2025 estimate) |
|
Room Facilities |
- Fully furnished (bed, desk, chair, dresser, wardrobe/closet). |
Included in Room and Board |
|
Bathroom Types |
Mix of shared bathrooms (per floor) and suite-style bathrooms (shared by 4–6 students). |
Included in Room and Board |
|
Meal Plan Options |
Students choose from multiple meal plan options, including unlimited meals or block plans. |
Included in Room and Board |
|
Dining Halls |
2 Pomona dining halls (Frank Dining Hall and Frary Dining Hall) + access to other Claremont Colleges' dining halls. |
Included in Room and Board |
|
Special Dietary Options |
Vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, gluten-free, and other accommodations available. |
Included in Room and Board |
|
First-Year Housing |
First-year students live in residence halls near central campus, fostering a strong community. |
Included in Room and Board |
|
Upperclassmen Housing |
Upperclassmen have access to suite-style or apartment-style housing. |
Included in Room and Board |
|
Accessible Housing |
Housing options available for students with disabilities or specific medical needs. |
Included in Room and Board |
|
Laundry Facilities |
Free laundry facilities available in all residence halls. |
Free of charge |
|
Common Areas |
All residence halls include lounges, study areas, kitchens, and recreational spaces. |
Included in Room and Board |
|
Security |
24/7 campus security and card-key access to residence halls. |
Included in Room and Board |
1. Community and Campus Culture
Pomona College is known for its collaborative culture, where students support each other rather than compete.
The student body is diverse, with individuals from across the U.S. and over 60 countries worldwide.
Emphasis is placed on inclusivity, intellectual curiosity, and social responsibility.
Students benefit from the Sponsor Program, where first-years are grouped into small, close communities mentored by upperclassmen, helping them transition to college life.
2. Residential Life
On-Campus Housing: Nearly all students live on campus for all four years, creating a strong residential community.
Living-Learning Communities: Options such as the Oldenborg Center for Modern Languages (language immersion housing) and substance-free housing foster specialized interests.
Each dorm has comfortable common spaces, kitchens, and lounges for socializing and studying.
Free laundry facilities and fast Wi-Fi are available in all residence halls.
3. Dining and Food
Pomona has two dining halls, Frank and Frary, known for their high-quality and diverse food options.
Students can also dine at the other Claremont Colleges’ dining halls as part of the shared meal plan.
The dining halls cater to a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, and gluten-free options.
Flexibility: Late-night dining options are available at select dining halls for students with packed schedules.
4. Clubs and Organizations
Pomona has over 250 student-run clubs and organizations, catering to a wide range of interests, including academics, sports, arts, cultural groups, and social activism.
Popular organizations include the Pomona College Orchestra, the Student Union, and cultural groups like the Asian American Resource Center and the Black Student Union.
Students can also participate in clubs across the Claremont Colleges Consortium, significantly expanding the range of opportunities.
5. Athletics and Fitness
Pomona participates in NCAA Division III athletics as part of the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens, shared with Pitzer College.
There are 21 varsity sports teams, including basketball, soccer, tennis, swimming, and track and field.
Students can also join intramural sports leagues and club sports for fun and fitness.
The Rains Center for Sport and Recreation offers state-of-the-art fitness facilities, including a gym, pool, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and racquetball.
6. Arts and Culture
Pomona has a thriving arts scene, with opportunities in music, theater, dance, and visual arts.
The Pomona College Museum of Art showcases exhibitions and provides opportunities for students to engage with art on campus.
Students can join performance groups like the Pomona College Choir, dance teams, or theater productions.
The proximity to Los Angeles offers easy access to world-class museums, galleries, theaters, and concert venues.
7. Outdoor Activities
The sunny weather in Claremont makes it easy for students to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
Students often hike, bike, or climb in nearby areas like the San Gabriel Mountains, just minutes from campus.
Pomona’s On the Loose (OTL) club organizes outdoor excursions, including camping, rock climbing, and beach trips.
The college also offers excursions to Joshua Tree National Park, the beaches of Southern California, and other iconic destinations.
8. Career Development and Internships
Pomona’s Career Development Office (CDO) helps students with career counseling, internships, and job placement.
Students have access to a large network of alumni who provide mentorship and job opportunities.
The college provides funding for summer internships and research programs, enabling students to gain valuable work experience.
Proximity to Los Angeles opens doors for internships in industries like entertainment, technology, and finance.
9. Support Services
International Students: Pomona provides extensive resources for international students, including visa support, cultural orientation, and mentorship through the International Place.
Health and Counseling: The college offers free health and counseling services through the Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services center.
Academic Support: Tutoring, peer mentoring, and faculty office hours are widely available.
Diversity and Inclusion Centers: The college has several centers supporting underrepresented groups, such as the Queer Resource Center, Women’s Union, and Asian American Resource Center.
10. Social Life
Pomona offers a mix of organized events and informal gatherings that cater to various social preferences.
The college hosts annual traditions like Ski-Beach Day, where students ski in the morning and visit the beach in the afternoon, and Table Manners, a fun event where dining hall workers serve students seated at formal tables.
Students can also participate in events hosted across the Claremont Colleges, giving them access to a broader social scene.
Nearby Los Angeles offers nightlife, concerts, museums, and more for students seeking off-campus entertainment.
11. Study Abroad and Global Opportunities
Nearly 50% of Pomona students study abroad during their time at the college.
Pomona offers more than 60 programs in 30+ countries, and students can choose from options like semester-long study abroad, exchange programs, or research-focused international experiences.
Global perspectives are also emphasized on campus through cultural events, language immersion housing, and international guest speakers.
12. Sustainability
Pomona is committed to sustainability and environmental initiatives.
The college operates green programs such as energy-efficient buildings, a local organic farm, and sustainability-themed housing options.
Students can join sustainability-focused clubs and take part in green initiatives both on and off-campus.
13. Proximity to Los Angeles
Claremont is a quiet, charming college town, but students are only about an hour away from the vibrant city of Los Angeles.
This location allows students to enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful academic environment and access to cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities in a major metropolitan area.
1. Career Development Office (CDO)
Pomona College’s Career Development Office (CDO) is central to its placement efforts, providing students with personalized guidance and resources:
Career Counseling: One-on-one sessions to explore career interests, set goals, and create action plans.
Internship Opportunities: The CDO connects students with internships across various industries, offering funding for unpaid internships through the Summer Internship Program.
Job Fairs and Recruitment Events: Pomona hosts on-campus and virtual events where students meet with recruiters from top companies and organizations.
Alumni Network: Students have access to a robust network of Pomona alumni who serve as mentors, provide job leads, and offer career insights.
Workshops and Resources: Resume reviews, interview preparation, and job application strategies.
2. Top Employers Hiring Pomona Graduates
Pomona graduates are highly sought after by top companies, organizations, and institutions across industries due to their intellectual rigor and versatility. Some of the top employers include:
Tech and Consulting: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Bain & Company, McKinsey & Company, Deloitte.
Finance: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, BlackRock.
Healthcare and Biotech: Amgen, Genentech, Kaiser Permanente.
Nonprofit and Public Sector: Teach For America, Peace Corps, United Nations, U.S. State Department.
Media and Entertainment: Netflix, Warner Bros., The New York Times.
Academia and Research: Various universities, think tanks, and research organizations.
3. Graduate School Placement
Pomona has an exceptional record of placing students in top graduate and professional programs. Many graduates pursue advanced degrees at prestigious institutions such as:
Ivy League Universities: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia.
Other Top U.S. Institutions: Stanford, MIT, UC Berkeley, University of Chicago, University of Michigan.
Medical and Law Schools: Graduates are frequently admitted to leading medical schools (e.g., Johns Hopkins, UCSF) and law schools (e.g., Harvard, Yale, NYU).
International Institutions: Oxford, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics.
About 85% of Pomona graduates pursue advanced degrees within five years of graduation, reflecting the college's academic strength and focus on graduate readiness.
4. Industry Placement by Field
Here is a breakdown of the industries where Pomona graduates commonly find employment:
Technology and Data Science: 25%
Consulting and Finance: 20%
Education and Research: 15%
Government and Public Policy: 10%
Media and Arts: 10%
Healthcare and Biotech: 10%
Nonprofit and Social Impact: 10%
5. Average Salary for Pomona Graduates
Pomona alumni earn competitive salaries across various industries. According to recent reports:
Median Starting Salary: $65,000–$75,000/year (varies by industry and location).
Mid-Career Salary: $120,000–$130,000/year.
Graduates entering tech, consulting, and finance tend to earn higher starting salaries compared to those in nonprofit or public service roles.
6. Internship Opportunities
Pomona places a strong emphasis on internships, recognizing their importance in securing post-graduate employment. Key features include:
Summer Internship Program (SIP): Provides funding for students pursuing unpaid or low-paid internships.
Global Internships: Opportunities in international organizations and companies.
Claremont Colleges Consortium Internships: Shared resources across the Claremont Colleges provide access to additional internship options.
Many students complete internships at major companies such as Google, The Walt Disney Company, Goldman Sachs, and Amgen.
7. Fellowships and Scholarships
Pomona students frequently receive prestigious fellowships and scholarships, which help launch their careers in academia, research, or public service:
Fulbright Fellowships
Rhodes Scholarships
Marshall Scholarships
Truman Scholarships
National Science Foundation (NSF) Fellowships
Pomona’s rigorous liberal arts education, combined with strong mentorship, enables students to compete successfully for these opportunities.
8. Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Pomona encourages entrepreneurial ventures and provides resources for students interested in starting their own businesses or projects.
Students can apply for grants to fund research, social impact initiatives, or entrepreneurial ideas.
9. Alumni Success Stories
Pomona College has a notable alumni network, with graduates excelling in various fields:
Kris Kristofferson: Renowned musician and actor.
Jennifer Doudna: Nobel Prize-winning biochemist.
Walter Ulloa: Chairman and CEO of Entravision Communications.
Barack Obama (attended Pomona briefly): Former U.S. President.
10. Unique Placement Features
Small Class Sizes and Faculty Mentorship: Personalized guidance from professors ensures students are well-prepared for careers or graduate programs.
Liberal Arts Focus: Graduates have strong critical thinking, communication, and interdisciplinary skills, which are highly valued by employers.
Access to the Claremont Colleges Consortium: Students benefit from shared career resources, events, and networks across the consortium.
Overall Acceptance Rate: Approximately 6-9% (varies slightly each year).
Pomona is among the most selective colleges in the U.S., with a rigorous admissions process that evaluates applicants holistically based on academics, extracurricular involvement, essays, recommendations, and personal qualities.
Early Decision (ED):
Acceptance Rate: Around 10-15%, slightly higher than the overall rate due to the binding commitment.
Early Decision applicants are often highly motivated and certain that Pomona is their first choice.
Regular Decision:
Acceptance Rate: Around 5-8%, reflecting the larger applicant pool and highly competitive selection process.
International students face a need-aware admissions process, which means their ability to pay for college is considered during admissions.
Estimated Acceptance Rate for International Students: Approximately 3-5%, due to the high number of applicants from around the world and the additional financial considerations.
City: Claremont, California
Known as the "City of Trees and PhDs," Claremont is a small, suburban community with a focus on education and culture.
It features tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and a vibrant downtown area called The Claremont Village, filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Proximity to Major Areas:
Los Angeles: Approximately 35 miles (or about a 45-minute drive without traffic).
Beaches: Pomona is about an hour’s drive from the Pacific Ocean and iconic Southern California beaches like Santa Monica and Newport Beach.
Mountains: The San Gabriel Mountains, with opportunities for hiking, skiing, and camping, are just a short drive away.
Desert: The famous Joshua Tree National Park is less than two hours away.
Address:
Pomona College
333 N. College Way
Claremont, CA 91711
United States
Campus Size:
The Pomona College campus spans 140 acres, featuring beautiful architecture, open green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities.
The campus is adjacent to the other Claremont Colleges, creating a walkable and interconnected college community.
Transportation:
The Claremont Metrolink Station provides train access to Los Angeles and other Southern California locations, making it easy for students to explore the area.
The Ontario International Airport (ONT) is just 15 minutes away from campus, while the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about an hour’s drive.
