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Claremont McKenna College vs Pitzer College

Claremont McKenna College is a private college in Claremont, CA. Pitzer College is a private college in Claremont, CA. Claremont McKenna College admits about 10% of applicants and Pitzer College about 25%, making Claremont McKenna College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $28,849 a year at Claremont McKenna College after aid, and about $34,191 at Pitzer College. About 93% of students graduate at Claremont McKenna College, compared with 83% at Pitzer College. Ten years after enrolling, Claremont McKenna College alumni earn a median of about $104,736, against $69,512 for Pitzer College.

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Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, CA · Private

Pitzer College

Claremont, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Claremont, CA
Claremont, CA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,388
1,227
Acceptance rate
10%
25%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.52–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1470–1560
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,849
$34,191
Full cost / yr
$86,500
$86,466
In-state tuition
$67,980
$65,192
Out-of-state tuition
$67,980
$65,192
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,308
$14,535
$30k - $48k
$7,360
$7,769
$48k - $75k
$16,389
$20,846
$75k - $110k
$19,325
$29,452
Over $110k
$52,295
$46,793
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
83%
Freshman retention
98%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$87,603
$51,784
Median earnings (10 yr)
$104,736
$69,512
Median debt at graduation
$13,500
$16,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
11%
First-generation students
Not reported
23%
International students
15%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 10
Jan 10

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Claremont McKenna College or Pitzer College harder to get into?
Claremont McKenna College is harder to get into. It admits about 10% of applicants, compared with 25% at Pitzer College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Claremont McKenna College or Pitzer College?
Claremont McKenna College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,849 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $34,191 at Pitzer College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Claremont McKenna College and Pitzer College?
Before aid, Pitzer College costs about $86,466 a year and Claremont McKenna College about $86,500. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Claremont McKenna College or Pitzer College?
Pitzer College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,535 there, against about $15,308 at Claremont McKenna College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Claremont McKenna College or Pitzer College?
Claremont McKenna College is the larger of the two, with about 1,388 undergraduates against 1,227 at Pitzer College.
Does Claremont McKenna College or Pitzer College have a better graduation rate?
Claremont McKenna College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 83% at Pitzer College.
Do graduates of Claremont McKenna College or Pitzer College earn more?
Claremont McKenna College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $104,736 ten years after enrolling, against about $69,512 for Pitzer College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Claremont McKenna College and Pitzer College require SAT or ACT scores?
Claremont McKenna College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pitzer College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

Related comparisons

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