Claremont McKenna College

Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is a private, nonprofit, residential liberal arts college in Claremont, California. It centers undergraduate study on economics, government and public affairs while also offering majors across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. CMC is one of the five undergraduate members of The Claremont Colleges: students can cross-register for courses and use shared resources across those institutions, giving a small-college setting access to a much wider course catalog. The neighboring colleges remain independent schools, so applicants should apply to CMC itself rather than treating the consortium as one university.

What students can study

CMC offers majors such as economics, economics-accounting, government, international relations, public policy, psychology, philosophy, data science and integrated sciences. Its selective Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) major combines tutorials and small seminars; students apply during sophomore year, so admission to CMC does not guarantee a place in PPE. Integrated Sciences brings biology, chemistry, physics, computation and data methods together around health, brain and environmental challenges. The Robert Day School of Economics and Finance supports undergraduate economics and accounting study, alongside a small graduate finance program. Check the current major and program directory for requirements and courses available through other Claremont colleges.

CMC is a residential undergraduate experience, with close faculty interaction, research institutes and centers, and the Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum’s talks and events. Reviews often describe the campus as small and the classes and peer culture as intellectually demanding and highly motivated. That energy can be a draw for students who want frequent discussion and ambitious peers; it may feel intense to someone looking for a low-pressure college environment. The Claremont consortium adds breadth, but students still need to plan schedules and meet their home college’s degree rules.

Tuition and financial aid

For 2026–27, CMC lists an estimated total cost of attendance of $101,990 before aid: $75,300 in full-time tuition, $420 in student fees, and estimated housing, food and indirect costs. Actual charges change with housing, meal plan and personal expenses. Use the college’s current tuition and cost page and cost worksheet rather than relying on tuition alone.

CMC says it meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Its admission process is generally need-blind for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens, including DACA and undocumented students, with stated exceptions for transfer and waitlisted applicants; admission is need-aware for international students. Merit scholarships are awarded separately by Admission. The Kravis Opportunity Fund includes support such as up to $5,000 for an approved first-year summer internship or experience for students receiving need-based aid, a summer savings grant tied to that experience, and a $2,000 Kick-off Grant for eligible low-income first-year students. These funds have conditions and are not a general tuition discount. Need-based institutional aid requires the CSS Profile; California residents seeking state aid also submit the Cal Grant GPA verification, and eligible AB 540 students use the California Dream Act application. International students must request aid at admission, and late applications cannot be considered. Start with the financial-aid application instructions and ask the office to explain your family contribution and package before making an enrollment decision.

Campus, contact and applying

The college’s public contact and admissions address is 888 Columbia Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711; Google Maps lists the campus at 888 N Columbia Ave. The main number is (909) 621-8000. The campus switchboard is staffed Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Individual offices keep their own hours: for example, the Registrar’s office is open weekdays 8 a.m.–noon and 1–5 p.m. Pacific. Contact a specific office before visiting outside its published schedule. For admissions information, campus visits and the application, use the college’s admission page. Read student reviews alongside the official program and aid information to judge whether CMC’s pace, residential setting and cross-college opportunities fit your plans.