Claremont McKenna College

CMC’s academic identity orbits around its flagship economics and government programs, which funnel graduates into consulting, finance, and public policy. The economics-accounting major is legendary for its analytical rigor and Wall Street pipeline, while interdisciplinary majors like Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) attract policy wonks. Systems Science and Theory claims 5% of majors—a quirky standout. Faculty are known for accessibility, with a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, and the curriculum emphasizes real-world application through required internships. The vibe is collaborative but intense: students describe 'challenging academics' balanced by 'faculty who care.'

Life at CMC unfolds on a compact, walkable campus where nearly all students live in dorms (the Hub student center is the social nucleus). The culture leans pre-professional but not cutthroat—think 'collaborative learning over competition.' Politically, CMC has a reputation as the most conservative Claremont College, though students note it’s 'fairly liberal, just not blazingly left.' Residential life emphasizes community, with themed halls and traditions like Monte Carlo Night. The 5-College Consortium means access to Pomona’s libraries and Harvey Mudd’s parties, but CMC’s own identity is distinct: ambitious, sociable, and unapologetically career-focused.

CMC’s outcomes are staggering: 97% of graduates have defined plans within six months, with 82% employed full-time (often at Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, or Google) and 15% in grad school. The 95% graduation rate places it in the top 5% nationally. Alumni median earnings one year out hit $36,427, though this climbs sharply with experience. The secret sauce? A relentless focus on internships, alumni mentorship, and the Washington Semester program. For a small liberal arts college, CMC punches wildly above its weight in job placement.

Attending CMC costs $76,000+ annually (tuition, room, board), but the school meets 100% of demonstrated need with an average aid package of $67,764. Nearly 41% of students receive aid, and first-year awards average $68,936. The financial aid formula is straightforward: Cost of Attendance?Cost of attendanceThe full estimated yearly cost of a college: tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses, before any financial aid. minus Expected Family Contribution (calculated via FAFSA/CSS). MyinTuition’s quick calculator helps families estimate net costs—critical given CMC’s sticker shock. For those who qualify, the investment pays off: CMC ranks among Money Magazine’s top colleges for ROI.

CMC is the unapologetic capitalist of the Claremont Colleges—a place where future CEOs, senators, and Fed chairs cut their teeth. Its singular blend of liberal arts depth and pre-professional ferocity (think: PPE majors interning at the State Department) sets it apart. The 5-College Consortium offers breadth, but CMC’s identity is razor-sharp: small classes, relentless networking, and a culture that celebrates ambition. If Williams is for poets and MIT for engineers, CMC is for the wonks and dealmakers who’ll run the world—and its outcomes prove it.