Claremont McKenna College

Claremont McKenna College: 

1. Introduction

Claremont McKenna College (CMC), located in Claremont, California, is a top-ranked private liberal arts college that emphasizes leadership in business, government, and public affairs. Founded in 1946, CMC is a member of the Claremont Colleges Consortium, which allows its students access to the academic and social resources of seven interconnected institutions. CMC stands out for its strong programs in economics, political science, and international relations, as well as its real-world, pragmatic approach to liberal arts education.

With a strong tradition of free inquiry, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, CMC prepares students to become thoughtful leaders capable of addressing global challenges with a blend of analytical skills, ethical reasoning, and public purpose.

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2. History and Mission: Claremont McKenna College

Claremont McKenna College was founded as Claremont Men's College in 1946, initially serving male World War II veterans under the G.I. Bill. 

Mission Statement

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3. Location and Campus: Claremont McKenna College

CMC is situated in Claremont, a picturesque town at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, approximately 35 miles east of Los Angeles. The college spans over 69 acres, nestled alongside its sister schools in the Claremont Colleges.

Campus Features:

• Roberts Pavilion – a state-of-the-art athletic and events center

• Kravis Center – houses classrooms, student support services, and research institutes

• Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum (the "Ath") – a unique intellectual forum where students dine and engage with visiting scholars, politicians, and leaders

The surrounding city of Claremont is known for its tree-lined streets, cultural venues, and safe, community-oriented atmosphere.

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4. Academic Programs: Claremont McKenna College

Claremont McKenna College offers a rigorous and interdisciplinary liberal arts education, grounded in leadership, public affairs, and the social sciences.

4.1 Majors and Fields of Study

CMC offers more than 30 majors, and students can also design their own major or pursue dual or off-campus majors with the other Claremont Colleges. Notable majors include:

• Government

• Economics

• International Relations

• Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)

• Public Policy

• Psychology

• Data Science

• Computer Science (via Harvey Mudd partnership)

• Environment, Economics, and Politics (EEP)

4.2 Emphasis on Real-World Learning

CMC’s curriculum emphasizes practical application of theory, with required senior theses, off-campus internships, and opportunities for applied research.

Students also take part in:

• Leadership seminars

• Washington Program (semester in Washington, D.C.)

• Silicon Valley Program (semester focused on tech and entrepreneurship)

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5. Faculty and Research: Claremont McKenna College

CMC boasts a faculty committed to both teaching and scholarship. Professors are frequently published in prestigious journals, and many serve as policy advisors, think-tank fellows, or business consultants.

5.1 Faculty Stats

• Over 160 faculty members

• Student-faculty ratio: 8:1

• 90%+ hold PhDs or terminal degrees

5.2 Research Institutes: Claremont McKenna College

CMC is home to over ten research institutes, where students collaborate directly with faculty. Major institutes include:

• Rose Institute of State and Local Government

• Lowe Institute of Political Economy

• Keck Center for International and Strategic Studies

• Mgrublian Center for Human Rights

• Financial Economics Institute

• Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

These institutes offer paid research opportunities, data analytics training, and real-world policy work for undergraduates.

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6. Admissions and Selectivity: Claremont McKenna College

CMC is highly selective, admitting around 11% of applicants in recent years.

6.1 Admissions Process

• Holistic review of academics, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations

• Strong preference for leadership, service, and intellectual engagement

• Optional SAT/ACT (test-optional policy continues)

6.2 Student Profile

• Median SAT: 1450–1550 (for those who submit)

• Median GPA: 4.0+

• Over 40% domestic students of color

• 18% first-generation college students

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7. Student Life: Claremont McKenna College

CMC’s student life is shaped by a culture of engagement, leadership, and collaboration.

7.1 Student Organizations

Students lead over 130 clubs and organizations, including:

• CMC Model United Nations

• Mock Trial Team

• Claremont Finance Club

• Women in Business

• Outdoor Initiative

• ROTC and political clubs across the spectrum

Students also contribute to campus publications like The Forum, CMC Life, and The Claremont Independent.

7.2 The Athenaeum

The Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum is central to CMC's intellectual life. It hosts over 100 speakers each year, and students dine with guests from fields like politics, arts, business, and journalism.

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8. Athletics and Fitness: Claremont McKenna College

8.1 Sports Teams

 Popular sports include:

• Track and Field

• Soccer

• Basketball

• Swimming & Diving

• Tennis

8.2 Roberts Pavilion

This award-winning athletic center features:

• A 2,000-seat arena

• Fitness and weight rooms

• Training facilities

• Multipurpose event space

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9. The Claremont Colleges Consortium: Claremont McKenna College

CMC benefits greatly from being part of the Claremont Colleges, which includes:

• Pomona College

• Scripps College

• Harvey Mudd College

• Pitzer College

• Claremont Graduate University

• Keck Graduate Institute

The Consortium offers the intimacy of a liberal arts college with the resources of a larger university.

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10. Diversity, Inclusion, and Access

CMC is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, with resources and offices dedicated to supporting underrepresented students.

Key Initiatives: Claremont McKenna College

• CARE Center (Civic and Cultural Resource)

• First-Gen and Low-Income Programs

• Identity-based groups (BSU, QPOC, Latinx Alliance, APAM, etc.)

• Workshops on equity, allyship, and anti-racism

CMC also partners with organizations like QuestBridge and Posse Foundation to enroll talented students from all backgrounds.

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11. Financial Aid and Affordability: Claremont McKenna College

CMC is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.

Financial Aid Highlights:

• Need-blind for U.S. applicants

• No-loan policy for low-income families

• Over 50% of students receive aid

• Average grant: Over $50,000

• Merit scholarships and research stipends available

CMC’s generous aid packages ensure that financial circumstances are not a barrier to admission or success.

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12. Career Services and Outcomes: Claremont McKenna College

CMC offers outstanding career preparation, with an emphasis on leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.

12.1 Career Support

• Soll Center for Student Opportunity provides individualized advising, job and internship resources, and networking events

• Strong alumni network in business, law, government, and tech

• Career tracks in consulting, finance, diplomacy, and policy

12.2 Internship and Experiential Learning

• Sponsored Internships (domestic and international)

• Silicon Valley and Washington Programs

• Alumni mentoring

12.3 Graduate Outcomes

• 90%+ employment or grad school within six months

• High placement in law, business, and public policy schools (Harvard, Yale, Stanford)

• Top employers: McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, Teach for America, Google, the U.S. State Department

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13. Notable Alumni: Claremont McKenna College

CMC alumni are leaders across sectors. Examples include:

• Henry Kravis – Co-founder of KKR (private equity firm)

• Robin Williams – Comedian and actor (attended briefly)

• David Dreier – Former U.S. Congressman

• Douglas Peterson – CEO of S&P Global

• Kathryn Shaw – Stanford professor and economist

• Ranji Nagaswami – Former CIO of the City of New York

CMC alumni are known for their influence in finance, government, law, and public service.

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14. Rankings and Recognition: Claremont McKenna College

Claremont McKenna is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

• U.S. News & World Report: Top 10 National Liberal Arts Colleges

• Forbes: High return on investment and alumni earnings

• Princeton Review: Top marks in internships, classroom experience, and alumni network

CMC’s combination of academic rigor, real-world preparation, and financial accessibility makes it a standout institution.

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15. Strategic Priorities and Future Vision: Claremont McKenna College

CMC continues to invest in areas critical to student success:

• Integrated Sciences Program (new science facility underway)

• Civil Discourse and Free Expression initiatives

• Environmental sustainability goals

• Global partnerships and innovation in public policy

• Strengthening support for underserved and first-gen students

With these priorities, CMC is building a future-ready institution that blends classical education with modern innovation.

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16. Conclusion

Claremont McKenna College offers an elite liberal arts education with a distinctive focus on leadership, public affairs, and real-world problem-solving. Its integration into the Claremont Colleges expands opportunities while preserving personalized learning. CMC equips students with the intellectual tools, ethical grounding, and professional preparation to excel in their careers and serve society.

Whether in the halls of government, the boardrooms of Wall Street, or the classrooms of academia, CMC graduates continue to shape the world with clarity, courage, and conviction.

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