
500 9th Street, Claremont, CA 91711, USA


Claremont McKenna College holds accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission, an established regional accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. This accreditation confirms that the college meets rigorous standards for institutional quality, including its academic programs, faculty qualifications, and support services. Prospective students can be assured that credits earned at Claremont McKenna College will be recognized by other accredited institutions, which is crucial for transfer or graduate study opportunities. Moreover, this accreditation signifies the college's commitment to continuous improvement and accountability in higher education, providing reassurance about the value and credibility of its degrees.
Claremont McKenna College maintains selective admission standards, requiring applicants to submit a secondary school record and complete a college preparatory program. While a high school diploma or equivalent is necessary, the college specifically accepts a General Educational Development (GED) credential in place of a standard diploma. Recommendations from educators or counselors are mandatory, with additional competencies encouraged but not obligatory.
Applicants must submit TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency, reflecting the institution's requirement for non-native speakers. Other standardized tests are recommended, though not explicitly required. The college does not operate on an open admission policy and does not offer dual credit or computer leasing options. However, it does accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits for qualifying students.
Admission to Claremont McKenna College is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate around 11%, placing it among the more selective institutions nationally. The academic credentials of enrolled students are notably strong, featuring average SAT scores near 1475 and average ACT scores around 34. These scores rank within the top 5 percentile nationally, underscoring the college's preference for applicants with very high academic achievement.
Claremont McKenna College requires applicants to pay an application fee upon submission. This fee supports the processing of admissions materials and is a standard expectation for prospective students. However, the college provides fee waivers for those who demonstrate financial need, ensuring that cost does not hinder qualified candidates from applying. To obtain a waiver, students typically need to meet specific eligibility criteria or receive a recommendation through certain programs or counselors.
Claremont McKenna College offers opportunities for students interested in Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs through affiliation with both on-campus and cooperating host institutions. Prospective students can participate in ROTC units located directly on the college campus, providing convenient access to military training alongside their academic studies. Additionally, there are ROTC branch units available at cooperating host institutions that serve Claremont McKenna College students, allowing for a broader range of military training options depending on the branch and program requirements.
Claremont McKenna College accepts transfer credits, allowing students to continue their academic progress when transferring from other institutions. However, specific details regarding transfer in different terms or acceptance of standardized credit examinations such as CLEP or DANTES are not publicly available. Prospective transfer students should be aware that information about entrance difficulty, age limits, and the acceptance of recommendations or Excelsior College credits has not been disclosed by the college.
Claremont McKenna College offers its students a diverse selection of study abroad opportunities designed to complement their academic and professional goals. The college encourages participation in programs that provide international exposure and cultural immersion, often coordinated through its consortium with other Claremont Colleges. These programs span various disciplines and are hosted in numerous countries, allowing students to engage with global perspectives in economics, politics, business, and humanities.
Students may choose from semester- or year-long programs that integrate rigorous coursework with experiential learning. The available options include direct enrollment at partner universities overseas, faculty-led study trips, and programs affiliated with recognized international institutions.
In addition to the traditional semester abroad, Claremont McKenna College supports shorter-term study trips and internships abroad, which are designed to enhance practical skills and professional development in a global context. These programs are carefully vetted to ensure academic credit transferability and alignment with the college's educational standards.
The college also provides dedicated advising and financial aid resources to assist students in selecting and funding appropriate study abroad experiences, ensuring accessibility regardless of financial background.
Median composite SAT score
1475Median composite ACT score
34Percent of students submitting ACT scores
13%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
26%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
Data not availableSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
NoEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
Data not availableAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Data not available