About Scripps College
Scripps College cultivates intellectual women who think across disciplines rather than within narrow academic silos. This small liberal arts college enrolls just 1,077 students in suburban Claremont, creating an intimate environment where interdisciplinary learning thrives. Notable graduates include former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove. The college accepts 28% of applicants, drawing students who scored an average of 1450 on the SAT. Faculty relationships run deep here, with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensuring professors know their students personally.
The sticker price of $85,232 might cause sticker shock, but most families pay far less. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,617 after aid. Even those from higher-income families typically see substantial reductions from the list price. Ten years after graduation, the median Scripps alumna earns $77,539, while carrying only $13,500 in debt. Monthly loan payments average just $143, making this investment surprisingly manageable for a strong liberal arts education.
The all-women environment shapes campus culture in distinctive ways. Nearly 97% of students live on campus, creating a residential community where women support each other's academic and personal growth. The 87% graduation rate reflects both the college's selectivity and its commitment to student success.
The sticker price of $85,232 might cause sticker shock, but most families pay far less. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,617 after aid. Even those from higher-income families typically see substantial reductions from the list price. Ten years after graduation, the median Scripps alumna earns $77,539, while carrying only $13,500 in debt. Monthly loan payments average just $143, making this investment surprisingly manageable for a strong liberal arts education.
The all-women environment shapes campus culture in distinctive ways. Nearly 97% of students live on campus, creating a residential community where women support each other's academic and personal growth. The 87% graduation rate reflects both the college's selectivity and its commitment to student success.
Academics & Faculty
Scripps operates as a women's liberal arts college where interdisciplinary learning takes center stage. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name and mentor them closely throughout their academic journey. With 87% of students graduating within six years, this personalized attention clearly pays off. The college emphasizes critical thinking across disciplines rather than narrow specialization. Students design their own core curriculum and often combine majors in creative ways. Scripps is particularly known for its strong humanities programs, feminist scholarship, and collaborative research opportunities with faculty. The intimate classroom environment with just 1,077 total students means every voice matters in academic discussions.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 72.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 85.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 87.1%
- Retention Rate
- 88.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $77,539
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $18,771 |
Campus Life
Scripps sits 35 miles east of Los Angeles in the tree-lined suburb of Claremont, where year-round sunshine means flip-flops work better than snow boots. The college houses 97% of its 1,077 students on campus, creating an intimate residential experience where everyone knows everyone. With just 11 students per faculty member, professors regularly invite classes to their homes for dinner discussions.
Weekends revolve around the broader Claremont Colleges consortium, where Scripps students cross-register and socialize with peers from four neighboring schools. Students spend Saturday mornings at the weekly farmers market, then head to afternoon tea in the Rose Garden or study sessions in the Motley Coffeehouse. The famous Scripps tradition of Afternoon Tea brings the community together twice weekly for conversations over scones and Earl Grey.
Many students drive to nearby hiking trails in the San Gabriel Mountains or catch the Metrolink train into downtown LA for internships and cultural events. The 87% graduation rate reflects the supportive academic environment, while the Mediterranean climate keeps outdoor study spots busy year-round.
Weekends revolve around the broader Claremont Colleges consortium, where Scripps students cross-register and socialize with peers from four neighboring schools. Students spend Saturday mornings at the weekly farmers market, then head to afternoon tea in the Rose Garden or study sessions in the Motley Coffeehouse. The famous Scripps tradition of Afternoon Tea brings the community together twice weekly for conversations over scones and Earl Grey.
Many students drive to nearby hiking trails in the San Gabriel Mountains or catch the Metrolink train into downtown LA for internships and cultural events. The 87% graduation rate reflects the supportive academic environment, while the Mediterranean climate keeps outdoor study spots busy year-round.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,046 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1926
Campus Safety (2023)
23 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Burglary | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 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
Scripps draws ambitious women from across the country, with students split roughly evenly between California residents and those from other states. The student body is predominantly white but includes meaningful representation from Asian, Hispanic, and Black communities. Most students come from upper-middle-class families, as evidenced by the low percentage receiving Pell Grants. This creates an environment of academically driven women who value intimate classroom discussions and collaborative learning. The college's reputation for nurturing female leaders attracts students seeking helpment through a rigorous liberal arts education in a supportive, all-women setting.
- Men
- 0.0%
- Women
- 100.0%
- White
- 53.6%
- Black
- 4.1%
- Hispanic
- 12.3%
- Asian
- 13.7%
- In-State Students
- 44.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 11.5%
Location
Scripps 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. With 1,077 students, Scripps benefits from the intimate feel of a small college while accessing resources from neighboring institutions like Pomona and Claremont McKenna. The area blends suburban residential neighborhoods with a college town atmosphere. Students can reach beaches within an hour's drive west or hiking trails in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains. The Mediterranean climate and proximity to both urban amenities and natural recreation make this location particularly appealing to the 44% of students who come from within California. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Scripps with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Claremont, California 91711-3905
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $77,539
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $68,594
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $44,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 92.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $143/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Scripps College?
Scripps College accepts 28% of applicants, making it highly selective. The admitted students typically score around 1450 on the SAT, reflecting the college's reputation for academic excellence among women's colleges.
How much does Scripps College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $38,802, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,617, while the full sticker price reaches $85,232 including room and board.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Scripps College?
Scripps maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,077 students total. This intimate environment allows for the close mentoring relationships and interdisciplinary collaboration the college is known for.
How much do Scripps College graduates earn after graduation?
Graduates earn a median of $77,539 ten years after graduation, with 93% employed. The strong alumni network includes notable figures like former Representative Gabrielle Giffords and Poet Laureate Rita Dove.
Where is Scripps College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Claremont, California, with housing capacity for 1,046 students covering nearly the entire student body. As part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, students can cross-register for classes and access resources at neighboring institutions.
Is Scripps College only for women?
Yes, Scripps College is 100% women, making it one of the remaining women's colleges in the United States. Founded in 1926, it maintains this tradition while offering a rigorous liberal arts education focused on helping women leaders.
