Claremont McKenna College's published cost of attendance reaches $82,127 annually, including $64,150 in tuition and fees, $19,650 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $27,384 after financial aid, representing substantial savings of $54,743 through institutional and federal aid programs.
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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 reaches $82,127 annually, including $64,150 in tuition and fees, $19,650 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $27,384 after financial aid, representing substantial savings of $54,743 through institutional and federal aid programs. This net price positions the institution $5,572 higher than the peer median of $21,812, reflecting premium pricing typical of highly selective liberal arts colleges. The significant gap between sticker price and average net price demonstrates Claremont McKenna's commitment to financial aid, though families should understand that net costs vary dramatically by income level.
The institution's financial aid programs reduce costs substantially for most students, though the below-average affordability ranking at the 28.2nd percentile indicates higher relative costs compared to peer institutions. Students and families should carefully evaluate the premium cost against the exceptional earnings outcomes when considering enrollment.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student borrowing at Claremont McKenna remains well-controlled relative to peer institutions and earnings outcomes. Median debt reaches $13,500, substantially below the peer median of $25,000, providing an $11,500 advantage that enhances long-term financial outcomes.
Debt levels range from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $19,827 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students borrow modest amounts relative to the institution's costs and outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.13 represents excellent financial sustainability, with debt equal to just 13% of median annual earnings. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $52,129 with monthly payments of $687, though this represents raw borrowing amounts without family income context.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Claremont McKenna College represents an exceptional educational investment despite higher initial costs. The institution generates $28,627 in earnings beyond expectations at the 97.2nd percentile nationally, while maintaining debt levels $11,500 below peer medians.
Graduates earn $54,324 more annually than peer institution medians, creating substantial long-term value that justifies premium pricing. The 0.13 debt-to-earnings ratio indicates excellent repayment sustainability. Return on investment performance ranks at the 99.3rd percentile nationally, placing Claremont McKenna among the top institutions for long-term financial outcomes.
While affordability ranks below average due to higher net costs, the exceptional earnings uplift creates positive long-term returns. Students and families should weigh the higher initial investment against documented superior earnings outcomes when evaluating enrollment decisions.
Claremont McKenna's financial aid approach targets substantial support toward lower-income students while maintaining accessibility for middle-income families. With 19.5% Pell-eligible enrollment, the institution serves meaningful numbers of lower-income students, though below levels typical at public institutions.
The average $54,743 in financial aid savings represents 66.7% of the total cost of attendance, indicating generous aid policies. Progressive net pricing ensures that families earning under $48,000 pay roughly $13,000-$14,000 annually, while middle-income families face costs around $15,000-$22,000.
This aid structure supports the institution's commitment to economic diversity within a selective admissions framework.
The combination of below-peer debt levels, exceptional earnings outcomes, and controlled borrowing creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability and loan repayment success.
