Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Claremont McKenna College vary dramatically by field of study, with Applied Economics delivering exceptional earnings while American Government and Politics serves students pursuing public service careers. The data below evaluates programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 2 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that demonstrate strong national rankings, substantial earnings outcomes, and enrollment scale.
#5 nationally
$116K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The table below compares programs by earnings, national ranking, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Claremont Mckenna College.
Social Sciences & Policy programs at Claremont McKenna demonstrate exceptional variation in outcomes, reflecting diverse career pathways from high-earning economics to public service government roles. Applied Economics stands out with #7 national ranking and $115,832 median earnings, while American Government and Politics produces graduates earning $41,025 who often pursue graduate school or public sector careers.
This group serves students who prioritize either exceptional financial returns through economics or mission-driven careers in government and policy work.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #5 |
Programs at the same institution produce different outcomes because graduates enter distinct labor markets with varying compensation structures. Applied Economics graduates typically enter high-paying finance, consulting, and business roles, while American Government and Politics graduates often pursue public service, graduate school, or advocacy careers with different earning trajectories. These rankings reflect post-graduation labor market results from federal College Scorecard data, not program prestige or academic quality. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates with available earnings data, with larger cohorts providing greater confidence in reported outcomes. All earnings represent median values ten years after initial enrollment.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $115,832★ |
| — |
| 118 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #195 | $41,025 | — | 36 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
