Explore alternatives based on outcomes, location, cost, and admission difficulty
Given Claremont McKenna's 11.1% acceptance rate and highly competitive applicant pool, most students should consider it a reach school. The alternatives below offer different pathways to strong outcomes.
These schools offer higher acceptance rates while delivering comparable career outcomes.
For similar outcomes with more accessible admission, consider Santa Clara University with 43.8% acceptance and $109,183 median earnings, located 326 miles north in California's Silicon Valley. The institution offers comparable post-graduation outcomes with significantly better admission odds. California State University Maritime Academy provides another California option with 98.7% acceptance and $94,784 median earnings at substantially lower cost, though with more specialized program focus.
Strong options in the same region with comparable academic profiles.
California students have several in-state alternatives. University of San Diego offers 46.8% acceptance with $86,522 earnings just 97 miles south, providing similar private liberal arts environment with better admission prospects. University of Southern California, 33 miles away, maintains similar selectivity at 10.0% acceptance with $92,498 earnings. UC San Diego offers strong public alternative 89 miles south with 24.5% acceptance, $84,943 earnings, and significantly lower costs at $11,750 net price.
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Students building reach school lists should consider Pomona College, located on the same campus with 6.8% acceptance and $77,779 earnings, offering similar academic environment with different program strengths. Harvey Mudd College, also adjacent, provides 13.1% acceptance with exceptional $138,687 earnings for STEM-focused students. University of Southern California offers 10.0% acceptance with $92,498 earnings and broader program portfolio 33 miles away.
Elite universities with similar prestige and academic caliber
