About Pomona College
Pomona College represents the pinnacle of liberal arts education, accepting just 7% of applicants who compete for spots among its 1,638 students. The college sits in suburban Claremont as part of the strong Claremont Colleges consortium, where students can cross-register for classes at neighboring institutions. Notable graduates include country music legend Kris Kristofferson and civil rights leader Myrlie Evers-Williams. With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, professors know students by name rather than ID number.
The financial picture looks remarkably student-friendly despite the $83,800 sticker price. Students actually pay an average of $19,424 after aid, making this top education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $77,779 within ten years, easily justifying the typical debt load of just $11,782. Families earning under $75,000 pay virtually nothing, with net costs around $5,000.
The student body reflects impressive diversity, with students of color comprising over 45% of enrollment and 72% coming from outside California. Nearly 94% graduate within four years, and the 96% retention rate suggests students rarely regret their choice. The Sagehens compete in 21 Division III sports, though academic achievement clearly takes priority over athletic glory.
The financial picture looks remarkably student-friendly despite the $83,800 sticker price. Students actually pay an average of $19,424 after aid, making this top education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $77,779 within ten years, easily justifying the typical debt load of just $11,782. Families earning under $75,000 pay virtually nothing, with net costs around $5,000.
The student body reflects impressive diversity, with students of color comprising over 45% of enrollment and 72% coming from outside California. Nearly 94% graduate within four years, and the 96% retention rate suggests students rarely regret their choice. The Sagehens compete in 21 Division III sports, though academic achievement clearly takes priority over athletic glory.
Academics & Faculty
Pomona ranks among the nation's most top liberal arts colleges, accepting just 7% of applicants who typically score 1520 on the SAT. The college's 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intensely personal academic environment where professors know every student by name. This close mentoring shows in outcomes: 94% of students graduate in four years, well above the national average. Pomona is particularly well-known for its economics, psychology, and neuroscience programs, along with strong pre-med preparation. The liberal arts curriculum requires students to explore broadly across disciplines before specializing. With 95% of students returning for sophomore year, the academic rigor clearly works for those who get in.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 94.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 93.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 93.2%
- Retention Rate
- 95.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $77,779
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $128,737 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $77,213 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
Campus Life
Pomona sits 35 miles east of Los Angeles in the tree-lined suburb of Claremont, where year-round sunshine means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats. Nearly all 1,638 students live on campus in a tight-knit community where the 7:1 student-faculty ratio creates small seminars and close mentoring relationships. The campus feels like an intellectual oasis with its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and manicured lawns.
Weekends revolve around the broader Claremont Colleges consortium, where Pomona students can take classes and socialize across five connected campuses. The school's quirky traditions include the annual Halloween concert where students perform in costume and the Wednesday afternoon tea service. With 516 student-athletes competing in 21 Division III sports, games against rival Claremont McKenna draw passionate crowds despite the lack of athletic scholarships. Students frequently venture to LA for internships and entertainment, but many prefer staying on campus for study groups, outdoor movie screenings, and late-night discussions that reflect the college's intellectual culture.
Weekends revolve around the broader Claremont Colleges consortium, where Pomona students can take classes and socialize across five connected campuses. The school's quirky traditions include the annual Halloween concert where students perform in costume and the Wednesday afternoon tea service. With 516 student-athletes competing in 21 Division III sports, games against rival Claremont McKenna draw passionate crowds despite the lack of athletic scholarships. Students frequently venture to LA for internships and entertainment, but many prefer staying on campus for study groups, outdoor movie screenings, and late-night discussions that reflect the college's intellectual culture.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,609 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1887
Campus Safety (2023)
70 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 27 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 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
Students travel from across the country to attend Pomona, with over 70% coming from out of state. The college attracts academically top students who scored an average 1520 on the SAT. Nearly one in five students receives Pell Grants, reflecting Pomona's commitment to economic diversity despite its selectivity. The student body represents significant racial diversity, with students of color comprising over 45% of enrollment. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize humanities and social sciences alongside STEM fields.
- Men
- 45.2%
- Women
- 54.8%
- White
- 29.2%
- Black
- 10.8%
- Hispanic
- 16.5%
- Asian
- 17.8%
- In-State Students
- 27.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.5%
Location
Pomona College sits in Claremont, California, about 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The campus occupies part of the Claremont Colleges consortium in the San Gabriel Valley foothills. Students enjoy year-round sunshine and mountain views while living in what locals call the "City of Trees and PhDs." The college town atmosphere centers around the five undergraduate colleges that share adjacent campuses and cross-registration opportunities. With 27.82% of students coming from California, many appreciate the proximity to both LA's cultural scene and outdoor recreation in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Pomona College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Claremont, California 91711-4434
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $77,779
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $73,623
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $51,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 85.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $125/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,782
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Pomona College?
Pomona College accepts just 7.02% of applicants, making it one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country. Students who get in typically score between 1480 and 1560 on the SAT, with an average of 1520.
How much does Pomona College cost after financial aid?
While Pomona's sticker price hits $83,800, the average net price drops to $19,424 after aid. The college practices need-blind admissions and families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $5,638 per year.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Pomona College?
Pomona maintains a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring small class sizes and close mentorship. With only 1,638 students total, the college creates an intimate academic environment focused on undergraduate education.
What are job prospects like for Pomona College graduates?
Pomona graduates earn a median salary of $77,779 ten years after graduation, well above the national average. The college boasts a 93.2% six-year graduation rate and 88.7% employment rate for recent graduates.
Where is Pomona College located and what is campus life like?
Pomona sits in Claremont, California, a large suburban setting about 35 miles east of Los Angeles. The campus houses 1,609 students with a 95.87% retention rate, and students compete as the Sagehens in 21 NCAA Division III sports.
How diverse is the student body at Pomona College?
Pomona's student body is 54.82% women and draws from across the country, with only 27.82% of students from California. The college enrolls 18.53% Pell Grant recipients and maintains strong racial diversity with significant Asian American, Hispanic, and Black student populations.
