Claremont Graduate University

Claremont Graduate University (CGU) is a private, nonprofit institution devoted to graduate education. Founded in 1925, it is part of The Claremont Colleges, whose shared academic setting gives graduate students a close-knit base in Claremont while opening connections to neighboring campuses. CGU’s schools and institutes span management, education, public health, social science, arts and humanities, information systems, and mathematical sciences, so it suits students seeking a master’s, professional doctorate or research doctorate—not a traditional undergraduate college experience.

Find the program by field, then compare degree paths

The Drucker School offers MBA formats, finance and management master’s degrees, a PhD in Management, an Executive PhD and a Doctor of Business Administration. Other prominent routes include the Doctor of Public Health and public-health master’s programs; education master’s and doctoral degrees and California teaching credentials; psychology, evaluation, politics and policy; information systems and technology; and master’s and doctoral work in arts, humanities and mathematical sciences. Some programs are online or hybrid, while others meet on campus. Confirm the exact degree title, format, unit load and professional requirements in CGU’s program directory; names and availability differ by department.

CGU is graduate-only, but students may benefit from The Claremont Colleges’ broader academic community and inter-campus opportunities. Ask the department whether cross-registration, shared facilities or consortium services are available to your particular program and term. If you are choosing between a research PhD and a practitioner doctorate, compare expected time to completion, dissertation or capstone requirements, work-compatible scheduling and total tuition before accepting an offer.

Budget by units and check how aid changes your balance

For 2026–27, CGU lists standard tuition at $2,070 per unit. Different rates apply to art ($1,700), Teacher Education ($1,000), the Executive Management PhD ($2,575) and the DBA ($2,830); fees are additional. Multiply the rate by the units in your actual degree plan, then add semester fees, books, insurance and living expenses. The published price is not the same as your net bill.

CGU reports awarding more than $16 million in fellowships annually to over 85% of students. Merit fellowships are recommended by academic departments, generally tied to a 12–16-unit semester load, and adjusted if enrollment changes; the university says awarded support continues through required coursework when students maintain satisfactory academic progress. Submit the FAFSA (CGU school code G01169) alongside your admission application. Federal Work-Study, eligible teaching grants, assistantships, outside scholarships, veteran benefits and employer tuition support may also apply. Fellowship offers and loan eligibility are individual; ask for a written term-by-term estimate at your planned pace and calculate what remains after grants and employer aid. See the university’s cost and aid information before deciding.

What students say about the experience

Recent graduate-student comments often praise accessible faculty, applied coursework, supportive advising and CGU’s small graduate community. Some reviewers describe a heavy reading or research workload, while others point to tuition as the main drawback; a few public comments criticize administrative coordination. Experiences vary across departments and online versus campus programs, so ask current students in your intended school about advising response times, course scheduling, faculty access and the balance between work and study. Browse the graduate student comments alongside the program’s own requirements.

Claremont campus and admissions

The university lists its main address as 150 E. 10th Street, Claremont, CA 91711, and its main phone as (909) 621-8000. Google Maps lists weekday hours of 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; the university’s admissions and visitor office is at 121 E. 10th Street, so confirm your destination before arriving. CGU invites prospective students to campus tours, class previews and online information sessions. You can request program information or contact Admissions at (909) 607-7811 and admissions@cgu.edu. The Claremont Metrolink station is within walking distance of campus; visitor parking requires a permit.