Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is a private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California, approximately 35 miles east of Los Angeles. Established in 1946 as Claremont Men’s College, it became coeducational in 1976 and was renamed Claremont McKenna College in 1981.
Academic Focus and Programs
CMC emphasizes social sciences, particularly economics, government, international relations, and psychology. The college offers a range of interdisciplinary majors, including management engineering and philosophy, politics, and economics. Students are required to complete general education courses in humanities, writing, foreign language, mathematics or computer science, laboratory science, and physical education. A senior thesis is mandatory for all students, with options for departmental honors.
Student Life and Campus Experience
As part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, CMC students have access to resources and courses across five undergraduate colleges and two graduate institutions. The college has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, with an average class size of 18, fostering close interactions between students and professors. In the 2025 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings, CMC was highlighted for its high performance and student experience, reflecting factors such as campus facilities, community, social life, and diversity.
Admissions and Financial Aid
CMC is need-blind for admissions and meets the full demonstrated financial need of admitted students. For the 2018–2019 academic year, tuition was $54,160, with room and board averaging $15,930, bringing the total annual cost to approximately $70,212.
Recent Developments
In October 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law banning private, nonprofit colleges, including CMC, from considering legacy or donor connections in admissions. Effective September 2025, this legislation aims to promote fair access to higher education.
Overall, Claremont McKenna College combines rigorous academics with a supportive community, preparing students for leadership roles in various fields.