Pitzer College: 18.4% Acceptance Rate

18.4%Acceptance

$62,692Tuition

1,191Students

83%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$69,512Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Pitzer College

Pitzer College builds its reputation on student-designed curricula and social justice activism. The school enrolls 1,191 undergraduates in Claremont's suburban setting, where progressive education means students can craft their own academic paths without traditional distribution requirements. Notable alumni include Lynda Weinman, who co-founded the online learning platform Lynda.com, and actor Joshua Malina. The college's liberal arts approach emphasizes critical thinking over standardized testing, reflected in its highly selective 18.4% acceptance rate.

Students pay an average net price of $31,663 after financial aid, less than the $62,692 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $69,512 ten years after graduation, making the typical monthly loan payment of $178 manageable for most. With median debt of just $16,750, Pitzer delivers strong financial outcomes relative to many liberal arts colleges. The 83.2% six-year graduation rate demonstrates that students complete their self-directed studies successfully.

The student body leans female at 59.6% and reflects California's diversity with substantial representation across ethnic groups. A 10:1 student-faculty ratio enables close mentorship in this experimental learning environment. The Sagehens compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports, though the real action happens in campus activism and community engagement projects that define Pitzer's collaborative culture.

Academics & Faculty

Pitzer College operates as a progressive liberal arts institution where students design their own academic paths without traditional distribution requirements. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom discussions that fuel the college's social justice mission. Students graduate at an 84% four-year rate, reflecting strong faculty mentorship in this experimental learning environment. The college pioneered interdisciplinary studies and remains famous for programs in psychology, sociology, and environmental analysis. Academic rigor comes through close professor relationships rather than rigid course sequences. Students often combine majors or create entirely new fields of study. The 94% retention rate shows how well this unconventional approach works for motivated learners seeking academic freedom.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 76.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 84.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 83.2%
Retention Rate: 94.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $69,512
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Campus Life

Pack sunscreen for Southern California's year-round warmth in Claremont, about 35 miles east of Los Angeles. With housing capacity for 987 students and total enrollment of 1,191, most undergraduates live on the small campus. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate environment where professors know your name and your academic interests.

Students embrace Pitzer's "no grades, just narrative evaluations" philosophy and design their own academic paths. Weekend life centers around the broader Claremont Colleges consortium, giving access to parties, lectures, and dining halls across five connected campuses. The 59.61% female student body reflects the college's progressive social justice mission. Many students volunteer in LA's communities or intern at nonprofits during the week. The Sagehens compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports, with 516 total athletes representing nearly half the student body. Campus traditions include the annual Kohoutek music festival and late-night philosophical debates that spill from dorm lounges onto the quad under palm trees.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 987 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

25 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Motor Vehicle Theft	8	0	5
Burglary	1	1	1
Stalking	2	1	0
Domestic Violence	1	1	0
Fondling	1	1	0
Rape	1	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 43°–67°F
July Avg: 62°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 14.5"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Students drawn to Pitzer's progressive mission create a diverse campus where women outnumber men by nearly 3 to 2, reflecting the college's strong social justice programs. The student body splits almost evenly between California residents and out-of-state students, showing both regional appeal and national recognition. White students make up less half the campus at 49%, while Hispanic, Asian, and Black students comprise nearly 30% combined. Only 10% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school primarily serves middle and upper-income families despite its commitment to social equity.

Men: 40.4%
Women: 59.6%
White: 48.6%
Black: 4.5%
Hispanic: 12.8%
Asian: 11.9%
In-State Students: 44.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 10.2%

Location

Pitzer College sits in Claremont, California, about 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The campus occupies part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, creating a unique college town atmosphere within the greater LA metropolitan area. Students can reach the Pacific beaches in an hour or hit the San Gabriel Mountains for hiking in even less time. The area combines suburban safety with easy access to one of America's largest cities. Nearly 45% of Pitzer's 1,191 students come from California, drawn to this progressive liberal arts environment. The consortium model means students share resources with four other colleges while maintaining their own distinct campus culture. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Pitzer with similar schools in the region.

Address: Claremont, California 91711-6101

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $69,512
Median Earnings (5 years): $51,190
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 83.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $178/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Pitzer College?

Pitzer College accepts 18.4% of applicants, making it highly selective. The school is known for its progressive liberal arts approach and student-designed curricula that attract academically ambitious students seeking alternative educational paths.

How much does Pitzer College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Pitzer College is $31,663, lower than the total cost of attendance of $85,166. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $9,284, reflecting the school's commitment to making progressive education accessible.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Pitzer College?

Pitzer College maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,191 students total. This intimate environment supports the school's philosophy of collaborative learning and allows students to work closely with professors on their self-designed academic programs.

What do Pitzer College graduates earn after graduation?

Pitzer College graduates earn a median of $69,512 ten years after graduation, with a strong 91.6% employment rate. The school's emphasis on social justice and progressive values often leads graduates toward meaningful careers in nonprofit work, education, and social change.

Where is Pitzer College located and what is campus life like?

Pitzer College sits in Claremont, California, housing 987 students on campus out of 1,191 total enrollment. The school fields 21 varsity sports teams with 516 total athletes competing as the Sagehens in NCAA Division III.

Does Pitzer College really let students design their own curriculum?

Pitzer College is famous for allowing students to create individualized academic programs without traditional distribution requirements. With a 94.17% retention rate and 84.34% four-year graduation rate, this modern approach to liberal arts education clearly works for students seeking academic freedom.