USA · LAC
Claremont McKenna College occupies a rare niche as a liberal arts institution with exceptional strength in economics, government, and public affairs, producing more Fulbright Scholars and CIA analysts per capita than nearly any comparable college. The seven Leadership Institutes provide structured pathways for students to develop expertise alongside their broad liberal arts education, and CMC's location within the Claremont Consortium gives students access to engineering programs at Harvey Mudd and science resources across five campuses. For internationally-minded students who want both depth and breadth, CMC offers a combination of rigorous scholarship and practical leadership development that is genuinely difficult to find elsewhere.
| Acceptance Rate | 9% (Most Selective) |
|---|---|
| GPA Range | 3.94-4.00 |
| SAT Range | 1470-1550 |
| ACT Range | 33-35 |
| Early Decision I | Nov 1 |
| Early Decision II | Jan 3 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 3 |
| Application Fee | $70 |
| Average Financial Aid | $51,000 |
| Need-Blind Admissions | Yes |
| Type | LAC |
| US News Rank | #7 |
Claremont McKenna College typically admits students with a GPA in the 3.94-4.00 range (4.0 scale). International students should convert their grades using an AACRAO EDGE-based GPA calculator before applying.
With an acceptance rate of 9%, Claremont McKenna College is a most selective institution. Building a balanced school list with reach, target, and safety schools is strongly recommended.
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1470-1550 on the SAT and 33-35 on the ACT.
The Regular Decision deadline is Jan 3. Use AdmissionsPedia's free Deadline Tracker to manage your complete application calendar.
Data sourced from official university websites, Common App, and QS/THE/US News rankings. Last updated: 2026. Disclaimer