At $27,384/yr net price, Claremont McKenna College graduates earn $104,736/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $70,736/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,384 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $109,536 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $104,736/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$70,736/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 95.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,267/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,756/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,929/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,145/yr |
| $110,001+ | $49,293/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $100,075 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $87,754 | $12,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $41,025 |
The Risk Factor
95.2% of students at Claremont McKenna College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Claremont McKenna College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right majors, with median earnings of $104,736 ten years after graduation and manageable debt loads averaging just $13,500.
Your major choice makes all the difference here. Finance graduates earn $100,075 annually while economics majors pull in $87,754 with only $12,000 in typical debt. Political science majors face a much tougher financial picture at $41,025, creating a significant earnings gap that you need to consider before declaring your major.
The school's location in Southern California's economic hub works in your favor, particularly for business and economics students who can tap into nearby financial centers and corporate headquarters. The 95% graduation rate and 96% retention rate suggest you'll likely finish your degree, avoiding the financial waste of dropping out.
CMC's biggest financial risk lies in its selectivity around aid distribution. Only 19% of students receive need-based aid, making this school financially viable primarily for families who can handle the $27,384 net price without significant assistance. If you need substantial aid, your options may be limited.
You should consider CMC if you plan to study business, economics, or finance and can afford the cost without taking on excessive debt. The school makes less financial sense if you're interested in lower-earning fields like political science or if you need generous financial aid packages. The combination of high earnings potential in key majors and low debt loads creates solid returns, but only if you pick your program carefully and can manage the upfront investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Claremont McKenna College worth the cost?
Claremont McKenna College offers strong ROI with graduates earning $104,736 after 10 years and relatively low debt at $13,500 median. The finance program pays particularly well at $100,075, making the $27,384 annual net price reasonable for most students.
What majors at Claremont McKenna College have the best job prospects?
Finance graduates from Claremont McKenna earn $100,075 while economics majors make $87,754 after graduation. Political science majors earn significantly less at $41,025, so career goals should heavily influence your major choice.
How much debt do Claremont McKenna College graduates typically have?
Claremont McKenna graduates have a median debt of just $13,500, which is manageable given the school's strong earning outcomes. The low debt load makes this school less risky than many private colleges.
Does Claremont McKenna College provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $27,384 compared to the full sticker price, Claremont McKenna offers substantial financial aid. The aid brings costs down to a level where the strong post-graduation earnings make financial sense for most students.