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Claremont McKenna College

Claremont, California · Private · 1,388 undergrads

Claremont McKenna College admits 9.4% of applicants (fall 2025, Common Data Set 2025-26), is test-optional for fall 2027, and regular decision is due Jan 10, 2027.

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Can I get into Claremont McKenna College?

9.4% of applicants get in

Almost everyone who applies is turned down, including many students with perfect grades. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1470–1560 on the SAT.

Add your SAT to see where you sit

Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.

6,939 applied, 655 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set). Scores: IPEDS fall 2024.

What does Claremont McKenna College cost?

$26,039 a year

What students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The sticker price, with housing and food, is $91,510.

Tap your family income:

Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000$5,423
$30,000–$48,000$4,205
$48,000–$75,000$19,127
$75,000–$110,000$31,487
over $110,000$52,425

Own a business or have divorced parents? Run Claremont McKenna College's own calculator.

Net price 2024-25, College Scorecard.

When is Claremont McKenna College due?

62 days left

Closed
Early decisionBinding
Was due Nov 1, 2026
62days
Early decision IIBinding
Due Sunday, Jan 10, 2027
62days
Regular decision
Due Sunday, Jan 10, 2027

Merit scholarships: apply by Dec 1, 2026.

Add to calendar Every Claremont McKenna College deadline

Checked on cmc.edu Nov 5, 2026. See the source

Does Claremont McKenna College need the SAT or ACT?Optional

No.

Test-optional for fall 2027. 26% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1520 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.

Which colleges require scores

Checked on cmc.edu Nov 2, 2026. See the source

What it's like

1,388
undergrads. Small, so classes are small and you'll know a lot of faces.
Suburb
Campus setting in Claremont, CA.
98%
of first-years come back for year two.
82%
finish in four years. 95% within six.
$127.5k
median pay 10 years after starting.
$13.4k
median federal debt at graduation.

Lists Claremont McKenna College is on

Test-optional collegesEarly decision II collegesDeadlines after Jan 1Most selective in CaliforniaColleges for a 1500 SATColleges for a 34 ACTCheapest after aid, families under $30kColleges that meet full need

Questions people ask

Is Claremont McKenna College test-optional for fall 2027?
Yes. Claremont McKenna College is test-optional for students entering in fall 2027, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT scores. Checked on cmc.edu on Nov 2, 2026.
What is Claremont McKenna College's acceptance rate?
9.4% for fall 2025: 655 of 6,939 applicants were admitted (Common Data Set).
What SAT score do you need for Claremont McKenna College?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1470 to 1560 (IPEDS, fall 2024). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
How much does Claremont McKenna College cost for a family earning $60,000?
Families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $19,127 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $91,510.
When is the Claremont McKenna College application deadline for fall 2027?
Early decision closed Nov 1, 2026. Early decision II is due Jan 10, 2027. Regular decision is due Jan 10, 2027. Checked on cmc.edu on Nov 5, 2026.
Does Claremont McKenna College have early decision?
Yes. 216 of 978 early decision applicants were admitted (22%) in fall 2025. Early decision is binding: if you're admitted, you go.