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College comparison
Claremont McKenna vs Cornell
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Claremont McKenna Claremont, CA |  Cornell Ithaca, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateCornell University is more selective | 10% | 9% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1470–1560 | 1500–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,388 | 15,995 |
| Avg net price | $28,849 | $28,690 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Claremont McKenna reports higher median earnings | $104,736 | $104,043 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 95% |
| Median debt | $13,500 | $14,000 |
| Economic mobility | 3.0% | 2.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Claremont McKenna vs Cornell: how they compare
Claremont McKenna College and Cornell University present a choice between a focused liberal arts college and a comprehensive Ivy League research university.
By the numbers The two schools are similar on core outcome metrics. Both report an average net price of $29k and deliver a 10-year median earnings figure just over $104k ($105k for CMC, $104k for Cornell), resulting in an identical value multiplier of 3.6x earnings per dollar of net price. Economic mobility is also nearly equivalent (CMC: 296%, Cornell: 291%). They diverge in scale and selectivity: Cornell is slightly more selective (9% acceptance vs. 10%) with a marginally higher SAT 25-75th percentile range (1500–1570 vs. 1470–1560) and a higher graduation rate (95% vs. 91%). Cornell shows greater year-to-year volatility in its admit rate (39% vs. 32%) and, as a major research institution, has a high future-scholar yield (9 for science/engineering PhDs). Both have strong financial health (DOE scores: Cornell 2.7/3, CMC 2.5/3).
Where they overlap Both institutions are known for producing graduates with strong immediate career outcomes, particularly in fields like economics, finance, and government. They attract academically driven, ambitious students.
How they differ The experience is defined by scale and setting. Claremont McKenna offers an intimate, suburban Southern California environment within a five-college consortium, fostering a tight-knit community centered on leadership and the social sciences. Cornell provides a vast Ivy League experience in Ithaca, featuring a breadth of research, a diverse array of majors across seven undergraduate colleges, and a distinct seasonal climate.
Who each suits Claremont McKenna suits students who thrive in a collaborative, focused environment where economics, government, and business are central, and close professor interaction is the norm. Cornell is ideal for the student who desires the breadth of a major research university, values a traditional collegiate atmosphere, and may want to explore or double-major across different academic disciplines.
Quick answers
- Is Claremont McKenna College or Cornell University harder to get into?
- Cornell University is more selective: Claremont McKenna College's acceptance rate is approximately 10% and Cornell University's is approximately 9% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Claremont McKenna College vs Cornell University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1470–1560 at Claremont McKenna College and 1500–1570 at Cornell University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.