About Claremont McKenna College
Claremont McKenna College trains future Wall Street titans and Washington power brokers at a tight-knit campus of 1,379 students in suburban California. The college built its reputation on economics, government, and public policy programs that consistently feed graduates into finance and politics. Notable alumni include Henry Kravis and George Roberts, who co-founded private equity giant KKR. With a 10.35% acceptance rate, CMC attracts high achievers who average 1495 on the SAT.
The sticker price hits $64,150 for tuition, but most students pay far less. The average net price drops to $27,384 after aid, making this top education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $104,736 ten years out, easily justifying the typical debt load of just $13,500. That monthly loan payment of $143 looks modest compared to six-figure starting potential in finance and consulting.
CMC operates with an 8:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship crucial for landing competitive internships. The 96.27% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the rigorous but supportive environment. Nearly half the student body comes from California, creating a West Coast network that complements the college's strong East Coast alumni connections in business and government.
The sticker price hits $64,150 for tuition, but most students pay far less. The average net price drops to $27,384 after aid, making this top education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $104,736 ten years out, easily justifying the typical debt load of just $13,500. That monthly loan payment of $143 looks modest compared to six-figure starting potential in finance and consulting.
CMC operates with an 8:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentorship crucial for landing competitive internships. The 96.27% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the rigorous but supportive environment. Nearly half the student body comes from California, creating a West Coast network that complements the college's strong East Coast alumni connections in business and government.
Academics & Faculty
Claremont McKenna College focuses intensely on economics, government, and public policy, preparing students for careers in finance, consulting, and public service. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally and provide extensive mentoring. CMC's government department ranks among the nation's best, while its Robert Day School of Economics and Finance connects students directly to Wall Street recruiters. The 95% six-year graduation rate reflects how well the college supports students through rigorous coursework. CMC operates more like a pre-professional program than a traditional liberal arts college, with alumni founding major investment firms like KKR and leading Fortune 500 companies.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 91.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 93.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 95.2%
- Retention Rate
- 96.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $104,736
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $100,075 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $87,754 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $41,025 |
Campus Life
The 1,379 students at Claremont McKenna enjoy year-round sunshine in Southern California, just 35 miles east of Los Angeles. Pack sunscreen, not winter coats, temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees. About 90% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll have dinner at professors' homes and engage in passionate debates about economics and politics late into the night.
Weekends revolve around the other Claremont Colleges, where students party and socialize across the five campuses. CMC students are known for their competitive spirit and career ambition, they network aggressively and land strong internships at investment banks and consulting firms. The campus buzzes with pre-professional energy, from mock interviews to finance club meetings. Students often study outdoors on the quad or grab coffee between classes at the campus center. With 47 students per athletic team across 23 varsity sports, many classmates balance academics with Division III competition.
Weekends revolve around the other Claremont Colleges, where students party and socialize across the five campuses. CMC students are known for their competitive spirit and career ambition, they network aggressively and land strong internships at investment banks and consulting firms. The campus buzzes with pre-professional energy, from mock interviews to finance club meetings. Students often study outdoors on the quad or grab coffee between classes at the campus center. With 47 students per athletic team across 23 varsity sports, many classmates balance academics with Division III competition.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,244 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1946
Campus Safety (2023)
44 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 43°–67°F
- July Avg
- 62°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 14.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Claremont McKenna draws ambitious students who plan careers in finance, consulting, and government. The 43% in-state enrollment reflects strong California ties, while the majority of out-of-state students shows national recognition for its economics and government programs. With only 19% receiving Pell Grants, the student body skews affluent despite generous aid packages. The near-even gender split of 50% women and 50% men breaks from the male-dominated stereotype of business-focused schools. Students here are competitive pre-professionals who value the college's Wall Street and Washington connections.
- Men
- 49.8%
- Women
- 50.3%
- White
- 36.6%
- Black
- 5.1%
- Hispanic
- 15.4%
- Asian
- 15.7%
- In-State Students
- 42.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.5%
Location
Claremont McKenna sits in Claremont, California, about 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The college anchors the Claremont Colleges consortium, creating a distinctive academic village atmosphere in this suburban setting. Students can reach LA's business district and entertainment industry in under an hour, while the San Gabriel Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop just minutes north. The Claremont area combines small-town charm with big-city access, housing roughly 37,000 residents who benefit from the intellectual energy of seven nearby colleges. This location offers internship opportunities in LA's finance and media sectors while maintaining the close-knit community feel that defines liberal arts education. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Claremont McKenna with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Claremont, California 91711-6400
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $104,736
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $108,186
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $68,200
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $143/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Claremont McKenna College?
Claremont McKenna accepts just 10.35% of applicants, making it highly selective. The college attracts students with strong academic credentials, with average SAT scores of 1495 and a retention rate of 96.27%.
How much does Claremont McKenna College cost after financial aid?
While the total cost reaches $85,000 annually, the average net price drops to $27,384 after aid. Students graduate with relatively low debt burdens, with a median of just $13,500.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Claremont McKenna College?
The college maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio with only 1,379 total students. This intimate environment supports CMC's focus on economics, government, and business preparation through close mentorship.
What are the career outcomes for Claremont McKenna College graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $104,736 ten years after graduation, reflecting the school's strong business and public service networks. The college boasts a 95.20% six-year graduation rate and 91.8% employment rate.
Where is Claremont McKenna College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in suburban Claremont, California, with housing for 1,244 students in a close-knit community. Students compete in 23 varsity sports as the Stags and Athenas, with 649 total athletes participating in NCAA Division III athletics.
Is Claremont McKenna College part of a larger consortium?
CMC belongs to the strong Claremont Colleges consortium alongside rival schools Pomona College and Harvey Mudd College. Founded in 1946, the college has produced notable alumni including KKR co-founders Henry Kravis and George Roberts, emphasizing its strength in finance and business leadership.
