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Claremont McKenna College vs Westcliff University

Claremont McKenna College is a private college in Claremont, CA. Westcliff University is a private for-profit university in Irvine, CA. Claremont McKenna College admits about 10% of applicants and Westcliff University about 73%, 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 $35,426 at Westcliff University. About 93% of students graduate at Claremont McKenna College, compared with 61% at Westcliff University.

Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, CA · Private

Westcliff University

Irvine, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Claremont, CA
Irvine, CA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,388
2,363
Acceptance rate
10%
73%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1470–1560
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,849
$35,426
Full cost / yr
$86,500
$44,210
In-state tuition
$67,980
$17,670
Out-of-state tuition
$67,980
$17,670
Application fee
$70
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$15,308
$24,253
$30k - $48k
$7,360
$33,829
$48k - $75k
$16,389
$35,913
$75k - $110k
$19,325
$36,031
Over $110k
$52,295
$40,799
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
61%
Freshman retention
98%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$87,603
Not reported
Median earnings (10 yr)
$104,736
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
$13,500
$23,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
6%
First-generation students
Not reported
Not reported
International students
15%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 10
Rolling

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 Westcliff University harder to get into?
Claremont McKenna College is harder to get into. It admits about 10% of applicants, compared with 73% at Westcliff University. 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 Westcliff University?
Claremont McKenna College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,849 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $35,426 at Westcliff University. 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 Westcliff University?
Before aid, Westcliff University costs about $44,210 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 Westcliff University?
Claremont McKenna College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $15,308 there, against about $24,253 at Westcliff University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Claremont McKenna College or Westcliff University?
Westcliff University is the larger of the two, with about 2,363 undergraduates against 1,388 at Claremont McKenna College.
Does Claremont McKenna College or Westcliff University have a better graduation rate?
Claremont McKenna College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 61% at Westcliff University.
Do Claremont McKenna College and Westcliff University require SAT or ACT scores?
Claremont McKenna College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Westcliff University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

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