Claremont McKenna College vs Colgate University

Claremont McKenna College and Colgate University, both highly regarded liberal arts institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Claremont McKenna, located in the vibrant city of Claremont, California, boasts a strong emphasis on economics and public affairs, while Colgate, nestled in the picturesque town of Hamilton, New York, excels in the sciences and humanities. With acceptance rates of 13% and 24%, respectively, both colleges are highly selective, attracting academically talented students from diverse backgrounds. Claremont McKenna's student body is slightly larger, with an undergraduate enrollment of 1,300 compared to Colgate's 2,900. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further differences, including popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which college best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Claremont McKenna College	Colgate University
Overview
Location	Claremont, California	Hamilton, New York
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Distant
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	98.0%	93.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	11.2%	17.2%
Application fees	$70	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1420 - 1530	1350 - 1500
ACT range	32 - 35	32 - 34
Students submitting SAT score	28.0%	29.0%
Students submitting ACT score	25.0%	21.0%
Total number of applicants	5,632	17,540
Total number of admissions given out	633	3,015
Admitted students who chose to enroll	358	887
Yield rate	56.6%	29.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$79,347	$80,160
Average net price	$21,663	$24,500
Tuition	$57,876	$61,594
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,626 Meal plan: $8,280	Room/dormitory: $7,496 Meal plan: $8,028
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	65.0% Average amount $33,141	41.0% Average amount $53,718
Students receiving federal student loan	17.0% Average amount $3,535	11.0% Average amount $4,253
Students taking out private loans	22.0% Average amount $7,870	3.0% Average amount $34,492

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,416 Men 49.2% Women 50.8%	3,164 Men 45.0% Women 55.0%
Graduate students	6 Men 66.7% Women 33.3%	12 Men 41.7% Women 58.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	52.1%	75.2%
International students	15.5%	8.8%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Distant
Dormitory capacity	1,354	2,972
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	Yes
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California New York Washington Texas Colorado	New York New Jersey Connecticut California Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Social Sciences Biological and Biomedical Sciences Business Psychology Computer and Information Science	Social Sciences Foreign Languages and Literatures Physical Science Ethnic Studies Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	8:1	9:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	92.7%	90.3%
Dropout rate	7.3%	2.8%
Transferred out	N/A	6.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $95,566 Year 2: $87,754 Year 3: $91,488 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $41,025 Year 3: N/A Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $100,075 Year 3: N/A	Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,196 Year 2: $67,995 Year 3: $86,742 International Relations and National Security Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $53,775 Year 3: $67,401 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,813 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $60,399 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,179 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $57,947 Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,895 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $51,701 History (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $35,416 Year 3: $50,739 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,610 Year 2: $36,848 Year 3: $43,419 Neurobiology and Neurosciences (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,641 Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: $40,037 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,181 Year 2: $24,421 Year 3: $21,648 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $44,942 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary academic differences between Claremont McKenna College (CMC) and Colgate University?

CMC emphasizes economics, government, and international relations, offering a strong liberal arts foundation with a focus on leadership and public affairs. Colgate, while also a liberal arts college, has a broader range of academic offerings, including strong programs in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Colgate's curriculum is known for its emphasis on immersive learning experiences, such as research and study abroad.
How does the campus environment differ between Claremont McKenna and Colgate?

CMC is located in Claremont, California, as part of the Claremont Consortium, providing students access to resources and social opportunities at five undergraduate colleges. This creates a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. Colgate is situated in Hamilton, New York, a more rural setting, fostering a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on campus life and traditions.
What is the student body like at Claremont McKenna versus Colgate?

CMC attracts students who are highly engaged in leadership, public policy, and economics. The student body is generally ambitious and career-oriented. Colgate's student body is diverse, with a strong emphasis on intellectual curiosity and a wide range of interests. Both schools have a reputation for attracting bright and motivated students.
How do the career services at Claremont McKenna and Colgate compare?

Both institutions offer robust career services. CMC's career services are particularly strong in areas related to government, finance, and consulting, reflecting the interests of its student body. Colgate's career services provide support across a broader range of industries, with a focus on helping students find internships and full-time employment.
What are the social and extracurricular opportunities like at Claremont McKenna and Colgate?

CMC offers a vibrant social scene, enhanced by its proximity to the other Claremont Colleges, providing a wide array of social events and activities. Colgate has a strong campus-based social life, with a focus on student organizations, athletics, and community events. Both schools offer numerous extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and athletic teams.
How does the cost of attendance compare between Claremont McKenna and Colgate?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is comparable at both Claremont McKenna and Colgate. Both institutions offer financial aid and merit-based scholarships to help make education accessible. It's recommended to check the specific financial aid information on each college's website for the most up-to-date details.
What are the athletic programs like at Claremont McKenna and Colgate?

CMC is part of the NCAA Division III and competes in the SCIAC conference, offering a wide range of varsity and club sports. Colgate is an NCAA Division I school, particularly known for its hockey and lacrosse programs, providing a more competitive athletic environment.
What are the strengths of Claremont McKenna College?

CMC excels in economics, government, and international relations. It offers a strong focus on leadership, public policy, and career preparation, with a highly engaged and ambitious student body. The Claremont Consortium provides unique academic and social opportunities.
What are the strengths of Colgate University?

Colgate boasts a strong liberal arts curriculum with a broad range of academic offerings, including excellent science programs. It provides a close-knit community, immersive learning experiences, and a beautiful campus setting. Its Division I athletics program is also a significant draw.
Which college is better for me, Claremont McKenna or Colgate?

The best choice depends on your individual preferences and goals. If you are interested in economics, government, and leadership, and prefer a collaborative environment with access to multiple colleges, CMC might be a better fit. If you prefer a broader liberal arts education, a close-knit community, and a more rural setting with strong athletic programs, Colgate could be a better choice. Consider visiting both campuses, if possible, and talking to current students to get a feel for the culture of each institution.

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