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University of California-San Diego vs Claremont McKenna College

University of California-San Diego is a public university in La Jolla, CA, and Claremont McKenna College is a private college in Claremont, CA. Claremont McKenna College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 10% of applicants against 27% at University of California-San Diego. University of California-San Diego is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,470 a year against $28,849 at Claremont McKenna College. About 93% of students graduate at Claremont McKenna College, compared with 87% at University of California-San Diego. Ten years after enrolling, Claremont McKenna College alumni earn a median of about $104,736, against $84,943 for University of California-San Diego.

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University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public

Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
La Jolla, CA
Claremont, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
34,948
1,388
Acceptance rate
27%
10%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1270–1480
1470–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
28–34
33–35
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,470
$28,849
Full cost / yr
$38,701
$86,500
In-state tuition
$16,758
$67,980
Out-of-state tuition
$50,958
$67,980
Application fee
$80
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,525
$15,308
$30k - $48k
$8,155
$7,360
$48k - $75k
$9,942
$16,389
$75k - $110k
$15,199
$19,325
Over $110k
$28,785
$52,295
Outcomes
Graduation rate
87%
93%
Freshman retention
94%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$65,669
$87,603
Median earnings (10 yr)
$84,943
$104,736
Median debt at graduation
$15,500
$13,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
18%
First-generation students
40%
Not reported
International students
11%
15%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
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 University of California-San Diego or Claremont McKenna College harder to get into?
Claremont McKenna College is harder to get into. It admits about 10% of applicants, compared with 27% at University of California-San Diego. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of California-San Diego or Claremont McKenna College?
University of California-San Diego is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,470 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,849 at Claremont McKenna 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 University of California-San Diego and Claremont McKenna College?
Before aid, University of California-San Diego costs about $38,701 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, University of California-San Diego or Claremont McKenna College?
University of California-San Diego. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,525 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, University of California-San Diego or Claremont McKenna College?
University of California-San Diego is the larger of the two, with about 34,948 undergraduates against 1,388 at Claremont McKenna College.
Does University of California-San Diego or Claremont McKenna College have a better graduation rate?
Claremont McKenna College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 87% at University of California-San Diego.
Do graduates of University of California-San Diego or Claremont McKenna College earn more?
Claremont McKenna College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $104,736 ten years after enrolling, against about $84,943 for University of California-San Diego. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of California-San Diego and Claremont McKenna College require SAT or ACT scores?
University of California-San Diego is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Claremont McKenna College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of California-San Diego and Claremont McKenna College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1270–1480 at University of California-San Diego and 1470–1560 at Claremont McKenna College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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