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Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, California · Private

9.4%acceptance rate
1480–1540SAT middle 50%
33–35ACT middle 50%
$29,978average net price

Claremont McKenna College admitted 9.4% of 6,939 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1480–1540 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 95% of students graduate within six years.

Your chances at Claremont McKenna College

Enter a score to see whether Claremont McKenna College is a reach, target or likely school for you.

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Reach

It admits 9.4% of applicants, so it’s a reach for everyone, even with perfect scores.

A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more.

Early decision and early action

Early decision applicants were admitted at 22% (216 of 978), compared with 9.4% for all applicants.

Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.

711 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 469 took it, and 61 were admitted from it.

What admissions weighs

How Claremont McKenna College rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.

Very important

  • Course rigor
  • GPA
  • Essay
  • Recommendations
  • Activities
  • Character

Important

  • Interview
  • Talent or ability

Considered

  • Class rank
  • Test scores
  • First generation
  • Legacy
  • Where you live
  • Volunteering
  • Work experience

Not considered

  • State residency
  • Religion
  • Showing interest

What it costs

Full price with housing is $86,500 a year. After grants, students paid $29,978 on average.

Average price after grants, by family income:

  • $0–30k$13,267
  • $30–48k$13,756
  • $48–75k$14,929
  • $75–110k$22,145
  • $110k+$49,293

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