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Harvey Mudd College vs California Aeronautical University

Harvey Mudd College is a private college in Claremont, CA. California Aeronautical University is a private for-profit university in Bakersfield, CA. Harvey Mudd College admits about 13% of applicants and California Aeronautical University about 100%, making Harvey Mudd College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $35,924 a year at Harvey Mudd College after aid, and about $36,126 at California Aeronautical University. About 93% of students graduate at Harvey Mudd College, compared with 35% at California Aeronautical University. Ten years after enrolling, Harvey Mudd College alumni earn a median of about $138,687, against $38,361 for California Aeronautical University.

Harvey Mudd College

Claremont, CA · Private

California Aeronautical University

Bakersfield, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Claremont, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
921
347
Acceptance rate
13%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.53–4
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
34–36
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$35,924
$36,126
Full cost / yr
$90,165
$46,233
In-state tuition
$68,613
$37,667
Out-of-state tuition
$68,613
$37,667
Application fee
$70
$100
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$27,979
$35,535
$30k - $48k
$23,883
$28,863
$48k - $75k
$17,968
$35,669
$75k - $110k
$25,468
$39,250
Over $110k
$50,665
$43,076
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
35%
Freshman retention
96%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$115,107
$37,182
Median earnings (10 yr)
$138,687
$38,361
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$30,705
Student body
Pell grant recipients
15%
46%
First-generation students
Not reported
50%
International students
11%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 5
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 Harvey Mudd College or California Aeronautical University harder to get into?
Harvey Mudd College is harder to get into. It admits about 13% of applicants, compared with 100% at California Aeronautical 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, Harvey Mudd College or California Aeronautical University?
Harvey Mudd College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $35,924 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,126 at California Aeronautical 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 Harvey Mudd College and California Aeronautical University?
Before aid, California Aeronautical University costs about $46,233 a year and Harvey Mudd College about $90,165. 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, Harvey Mudd College or California Aeronautical University?
Harvey Mudd College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $27,979 there, against about $35,535 at California Aeronautical University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Harvey Mudd College or California Aeronautical University?
Harvey Mudd College is the larger of the two, with about 921 undergraduates against 347 at California Aeronautical University.
Does Harvey Mudd College or California Aeronautical University have a better graduation rate?
Harvey Mudd College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 35% at California Aeronautical University.
Do graduates of Harvey Mudd College or California Aeronautical University earn more?
Harvey Mudd College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $138,687 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,361 for California Aeronautical University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Harvey Mudd College and California Aeronautical University require SAT or ACT scores?
Harvey Mudd College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. California Aeronautical University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

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