Overview of Claremont McKenna College
Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is a private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California. Established in 1946, CMC is one of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of seven independent institutions known for their collaborative academic environment. Claremont McKenna College is renowned for its focus on economics, government, and public affairs, providing students with a comprehensive liberal arts education that prepares them for leadership roles in various fields.
History and Founding: Claremont McKenna College was founded in 1946 as Claremont Men’s College. It was established with the goal of providing a liberal arts education that combined the disciplines of government, economics, and history. The college underwent significant changes in the 1970s, including the admission of women in 1976, and officially became Claremont McKenna College in 1981, reflecting its commitment to a broader liberal arts curriculum.
Campus and Consortium: CMC’s campus is situated within the Claremont Colleges consortium, allowing students to benefit from shared resources, facilities, and cross-registration opportunities. The consortium includes Pomona College, Scripps College, Harvey Mudd College, Pitzer College, Claremont Graduate University, and Keck Graduate Institute. The collaborative nature of the consortium enhances the overall academic experience for students.
Academic Programs: Claremont McKenna College offers a rigorous liberal arts education with a focus on the social sciences, particularly government, economics, and international relations. The academic programs emphasize critical thinking, effective communication, and a broad understanding of various disciplines. CMC’s commitment to the liberal arts allows students to explore diverse fields while gaining a solid foundation in their chosen majors.
Robert Day School of Economics and Finance: One distinctive feature of CMC is the Robert Day School of Economics and Finance, named after benefactor and alumnus Robert Day. The school offers programs in economics, finance, and accounting, providing students with a strong foundation for careers in business, finance, and related fields. The Robert Day School emphasizes a practical and interdisciplinary approach to economics and finance education.
Leadership and Ethics: CMC places a strong emphasis on leadership and ethics education. The Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum serves as a hub for discussions, lectures, and events that promote ethical leadership and intellectual exploration. The college’s commitment to fostering ethical decision-making and responsible leadership aligns with its goal of preparing students to make meaningful contributions to society.
Government and Public Affairs: Given its roots in government and politics, Claremont McKenna College has a robust government department and a focus on public affairs. The college encourages students to engage in internships, research, and community service related to government and public policy. This emphasis aligns with CMC’s mission to prepare students for active citizenship and leadership roles in public service.
Student Life: Claremont McKenna College offers a vibrant and close-knit community where students can engage in a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and cultural events. The college places a strong emphasis on fostering a supportive community where students can collaborate, learn from one another, and develop lasting connections.
Athletics: CMC competes in NCAA Division III athletics as part of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). The college’s athletic teams, known as the Stags and Athenas, participate in a variety of sports. While athletics is an important part of the campus culture, CMC maintains a balanced approach, emphasizing both academic and athletic excellence.
Global Initiatives: Claremont McKenna College encourages students to explore global perspectives through study abroad programs, international internships, and collaborations with institutions around the world. The college’s commitment to global education prepares students to navigate a diverse and interconnected world.
Alumni Success: CMC has a notable alumni network with graduates who have achieved success in various fields, including business, government, law, and academia. The college’s alumni often play active roles in supporting current students through mentorship, networking, and philanthropy.
Challenges and Resilience: Like many institutions, Claremont McKenna College faces ongoing challenges in higher education. These challenges may include financial considerations, adapting to changing educational landscapes, and addressing issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The college’s resilience and commitment to its mission have been crucial in navigating these challenges and ensuring a continued focus on academic excellence and student success.
Claremont McKenna College stands as a distinguished institution within the Claremont Colleges consortium, offering a comprehensive liberal arts education with a particular emphasis on economics, government, and public affairs. With its commitment to ethical leadership, global perspectives, and a collaborative academic environment, CMC prepares students to make meaningful contributions to society and excel in their chosen fields.
890 Columbia Avenue Claremont, CA 91711
Phone: (909) 621-8088
Email: admission@claremontmckenna.edu
Web site: http://www.claremontmckenna.edu
Rankings: Claremont McKenna College
Located in Claremont, CA, Claremont McKenna College is one of the best universities in the state of California. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Claremont McKenna College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Claremont McKenna College.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 11 |
| Score: | 86 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 4.0 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 14 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 96.0% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 94.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 91% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 3 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 5 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 85.1% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 1.1% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 8:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 91.3% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 6 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 1310-1510 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 85% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 99% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 19.1% |
| Financial resources rank: | 15 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 27 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 41.8% |
Essential Facts: Claremont McKenna College
- At Claremont McKenna College, the disparity between men and women on campus is far lower than the national average.
- Claremont McKenna College is ranked #532 in ethnic diversity nationwide which means it is well above average nationally. Claremont McKenna boasts excellent racial diversity.
- Furthermore, due to its selectivity and small class population, Claremont McKenna has a tight knit community where most of its students share the same professional and recreational interests.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 98% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 90% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 55% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, dance, drama/theater, literary magazine, model UN, music ensembles, musical theater, radio station, student government, student newspaper, yearbook |