Claremont McKenna College's published cost of attendance is $86,500, but need-based aid reshapes that figure meaningfully across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $15,308 per year in net price — a figure that reflects the college's commitment to meeting demonstrated financial need.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $86,500 |
| Tuition and Fees | $67,980 |
| Room and Board | $20,830 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$57,651 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $28,849 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $15,308 |
| $30–48k | $7,360 |
| $48–75k | $16,389 |
| $75–110k | $19,325 |
| $110k+ | $52,295 |
Claremont McKenna College's published cost of attendance is $86,500, but need-based aid reshapes that figure meaningfully across income levels. Low-income families pay approximately $15,308 per year in net price — a figure that reflects the college's commitment to meeting demonstrated financial need. Middle-income families see annual costs around $16,389, while higher-income families pay approximately $52,295. Azimuth ranks Claremont Mckenna College #945 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. For a fuller picture of how sticker price and net price diverge, see net price illusion. As a small liberal arts college, Claremont McKenna structures its aid primarily around demonstrated financial need. Families apply using the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and the college participates in federal, state, and institutional aid programs. The relatively narrow gap between low- and middle-income net prices suggests that aid is concentrated toward the lower end of the income distribution, where it has the most impact on access. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $13,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $52,129; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $110,798, median federal debt of $13,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $153 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Claremont Mckenna College earn median earnings of $110,798 four years after enrollment, placing Claremont Mckenna College in the 99.5 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. That figure runs well above the $57,042 median at comparable institutions (same control and size band). Azimuth ranks Claremont Mckenna College #36 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern reflects Claremont Mckenna College's concentration in Social Sciences, which accounts for 45% of degrees awarded — the largest share by a wide margin, followed by other STEM fields at 2% and Arts at 2%. Economics combines the largest cohort with strong pay, making it the program that contributes most to the institution's overall return profile. Azimuth ranks Economics #5 for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions per the program-ranking methodology, with 129 graduates earning median earnings of $146,524 — 1.8x the national benchmark for the field. The Political Science program graduates 46 students and Azimuth ranks it #52 for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions, with graduates earning median earnings of $73,826. Azimuth ranks International Relations and National Security Studies #2 for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions, with graduates earning median earnings of $96,520 — 1.4x the national benchmark for the field.
