Graduates earn among the highest incomes nationally, with outcomes that significantly exceed peer expectations.
What graduates earn 10 years after enrollment.
Annual salary at 10 years
Lower quartile earnings
Upper quartile earnings
How graduate earnings grow in the decade after enrollment.
Claremont McKenna graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression from early career through the ten-year mark. Starting at $87,603 six years after enrollment, earnings grow to $105,942 by year eight and reach $104,736 at the ten-year measurement point.
How outcomes compare to similar institutions.
Graduates from this institution significantly outperform peers — earnings are 108% higher than similar schools.
Financial justification for the investment.
Excellent affordability. Median debt of $13,500 is well under annual earnings, enabling comfortable repayment.
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.
Claremont McKenna College delivers exceptional return on investment, ranking at the 99.3rd percentile nationally among institutions we track. The institution generates $28,627 in earnings beyond expectations at the 97.2nd percentile, indicating graduates significantly outperform similar students at peer institutions.
Approximately 25.3% of Claremont McKenna graduates continue to graduate or professional study, though this estimate carries low confidence based on pr...
Program mix explains much of the earnings story.
Applied Economics drives much of Claremont McKenna's exceptional return performance, with 118 graduates earning a median of $115,832 and ranking #7 nationally. This program represents 76.6% of graduates with earnings data and achieves an exceptional value score of 97.0, indicating outstanding return on investment.
American Government and Politics serves 36 graduates with median earnings of $41,025, reflecting different career priorities focused on public service and graduate school preparation. The dramatic earnings difference between programs allows students to choose pathways aligned with their financial goals, with economics delivering exceptional returns and government studies serving mission-driven career aspirations.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Earnings outcomes demonstrate substantial variation reflecting diverse career pathways and program choices. The distribution spans from $66,067 at the 25th percentile to $182,223 at the 75th percentile, creating a 2.8:1 ratio that indicates significant upside potential for high-performing graduates.
