At schools with acceptance rates below 10%, nearly every applicant has near-perfect grades and test scores. Admissions decisions are driven by essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and institutional priorities — factors no stats-based model can predict. Our likelihood labels reflect academic competitiveness only.
Claremont McKenna College is a highly selective liberal arts college focused on government, economics, and public affairs, located in the Claremont Colleges consortium in Southern California. Its strong career placement record, leadership-oriented curriculum, and access to consortium resources make it a top choice for students interested in business and policy.
Mascot: Stag
Notable Alumni
Robin Williams (legendary comedian and actor)•George Roberts (co-founder of KKR)•David Dreier (U.S. Congressman)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Athletics
Campus Experience
CMC has no official Greek life but doesn't need it — the student government bankrolls a party scene that rivals fraternity culture at bigger schools, including the legendary Thursday Night Club (TNC) that kicks off every weekend. Foam parties, Monte Carlo Night, and access to the other four Claremont Colleges mean the social calendar is packed. The vibe is 'finance bro meets California chill,' with serious academics by day and the most active social scene in the consortium by night.
Mediterranean-style architecture with terra cotta roofs and sandstone set against the San Gabriel Mountains, sharing the beautifully landscaped Claremont Colleges consortium grounds with mature trees and courtyards.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Shared Claremont Colleges Campus Safety provides 24/7 patrols, safety escorts, and surveillance across the consortium. Low on-campus crime with most incidents being disciplinary.
Claremont is a safe, affluent suburban college town at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains with violent crime rates well below national averages.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Mon-Fri at 11:00am, 1:30pm, and 3:00pm; select Saturdays at 9:30am and 11:30am
Duration: ~60 minutes
Student-led tours cover residence halls, classrooms, dining, athletic fields, and social venues. Walk-ins welcome but registration encouraged. Summer hours shift to 9:00am, 11:00am, and 1:30pm.
Book a TourMaps available outside the Office of Admission at Kravis Center, 888 Columbia Avenue. Scan the QR code posted outside the office to register before starting. You can also freely walk the campuses of the other four Claremont Colleges -- they're all adjacent.
Tour ResourcesOctober through November or March through April when classes are in full session and Southern California weather is perfect. The Monte Carlo homecoming dance in fall is a signature event. Avoid winter break (mid-Dec to mid-Jan) and finals weeks.
Free visitor parking at Kravis Center on Columbia Avenue. Campus is 35 miles east of LAX (45-90 min depending on traffic) and 20 miles from Ontario Airport (ONT), which is much easier. Metrolink commuter rail runs to Claremont station, a 10-minute walk from campus.
Location
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