Claremont McKenna College vs University of Southern California
Claremont McKenna College is a private college in Claremont, CA. University of Southern California is a private university in Los Angeles, CA. Both admit about 10% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $28,849 a year at Claremont McKenna College after aid, and about $32,740 at University of Southern California. About 93% of students graduate at Claremont McKenna College, compared with 92% at University of Southern California. Ten years after enrolling, Claremont McKenna College alumni earn a median of about $104,736, against $92,498 for University of Southern California.
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At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Claremont, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,388
20,443
Acceptance rate
10%
10%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1470–1560
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
32–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,849
$32,740
Full cost / yr
$86,500
$90,300
In-state tuition
$67,980
$72,097
Out-of-state tuition
$67,980
$72,097
Application fee
$70
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,308
$13,516
$30k - $48k
$7,360
$14,394
$48k - $75k
$16,389
$19,539
$75k - $110k
$19,325
$24,976
Over $110k
$52,295
$56,116
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
92%
Freshman retention
98%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$87,603
$74,461
Median earnings (10 yr)
$104,736
$92,498
Median debt at graduation
$13,500
$18,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
22%
First-generation students
Not reported
25%
International students
15%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
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.
- Is Claremont McKenna College or University of Southern California harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 10% of applicants. 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 University of Southern California?
- Claremont McKenna College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,849 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,740 at University of Southern California. 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 University of Southern California?
- Before aid, Claremont McKenna College costs about $86,500 a year and University of Southern California about $90,300. 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 University of Southern California?
- University of Southern California. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,516 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 University of Southern California?
- University of Southern California is the larger of the two, with about 20,443 undergraduates against 1,388 at Claremont McKenna College.
- Does Claremont McKenna College or University of Southern California have a better graduation rate?
- Claremont McKenna College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 92% at University of Southern California.
- Do graduates of Claremont McKenna College or University of Southern California earn more?
- Claremont McKenna College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $104,736 ten years after enrolling, against about $92,498 for University of Southern California. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Claremont McKenna College and University of Southern California require SAT or ACT scores?
- Claremont McKenna College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Southern California is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Claremont McKenna College and University of Southern California look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1470–1560 at Claremont McKenna College and 1450–1550 at University of Southern California. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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