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Pitzer College vs Saint Mary's College of California

Pitzer College is a private college in Claremont, CA. Saint Mary's College of California is a private college in Moraga, CA. Pitzer College admits about 25% of applicants and Saint Mary's College of California about 87%, making Pitzer College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $30,378 a year at Saint Mary's College of California after aid, and about $34,191 at Pitzer College. About 83% of students graduate at Pitzer College, compared with 70% at Saint Mary's College of California. Ten years after enrolling, Saint Mary's College of California alumni earn a median of about $78,812, against $69,512 for Pitzer College.

Pitzer College

Claremont, CA · Private

Saint Mary's College of California

Moraga, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Claremont, CA
Moraga, CA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,227
1,947
Acceptance rate
25%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.52–4
3.35–3.85
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
1070–1253
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
21–28
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$34,191
$30,378
Full cost / yr
$86,466
$77,659
In-state tuition
$65,192
$57,803
Out-of-state tuition
$65,192
$57,803
Application fee
$70
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,535
$19,462
$30k - $48k
$7,769
$20,127
$48k - $75k
$20,846
$23,303
$75k - $110k
$29,452
$29,049
Over $110k
$46,793
$40,581
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
70%
Freshman retention
94%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$51,784
$60,388
Median earnings (10 yr)
$69,512
$78,812
Median debt at graduation
$16,750
$23,691
Student body
Pell grant recipients
11%
27%
First-generation students
23%
26%
International students
9%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 10
Jan 15

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 Pitzer College or Saint Mary's College of California harder to get into?
Pitzer College is harder to get into. It admits about 25% of applicants, compared with 87% at Saint Mary's College of California. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Pitzer College or Saint Mary's College of California?
Saint Mary's College of California is cheaper on average. Students pay about $30,378 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 Pitzer College and Saint Mary's College of California?
Before aid, Saint Mary's College of California costs about $77,659 a year and Pitzer College about $86,466. 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, Pitzer College or Saint Mary's College of California?
Pitzer College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,535 there, against about $19,462 at Saint Mary's College of California. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Pitzer College or Saint Mary's College of California?
Saint Mary's College of California is the larger of the two, with about 1,947 undergraduates against 1,227 at Pitzer College.
Does Pitzer College or Saint Mary's College of California have a better graduation rate?
Pitzer College has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 70% at Saint Mary's College of California.
Do graduates of Pitzer College or Saint Mary's College of California earn more?
Saint Mary's College of California alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,812 ten years after enrolling, against about $69,512 for Pitzer College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Pitzer College and Saint Mary's College of California require SAT or ACT scores?
Pitzer College is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Saint Mary's College of California is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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