College comparison
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 | Georgetown Washington, DC |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateClaremont McKenna College is more selective | 10% | 13% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1470–1560 | 1390–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,388 | 7,569 |
| Avg net price | $28,849 | $40,815 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Claremont McKenna reports higher median earnings | $104,736 | $103,494 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 95% |
| Median debt | $13,500 | $15,500 |
| Economic mobility | 3.0% | 1.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
For an affluent, data-driven family, this choice balances Claremont McKenna's strong financial value and mobility against Georgetown's historic brand and urban setting.
By the numbers CMC demonstrates strong financial efficiency and mobility. Its 10-year median earnings ($105k) slightly exceed Georgetown's ($103k) at a significantly lower average net price ($29k vs. $41k). This yields a value multiplier of 3.6x earnings per dollar of net price, substantially higher than Georgetown's 2.5x. CMC also boasts a higher economic-mobility rate (296% vs. 195%). Georgetown's graduation rate is marginally higher (95% vs. 91%). In selectivity, CMC is slightly more exclusive (acceptance 10%, SAT 25-75 1470–1560) compared to Georgetown (acceptance 13%, SAT 1390–1550). Both show moderate admit-rate volatility and strong DOE financial health scores (CMC 2.5/3, Georgetown 2.4/3).
Where they overlap Both are elite, mid-sized institutions with recognized strengths in economics, government, and international relations. They attract ambitious, professionally oriented students and offer engaged faculty and influential alumni networks.
How they differ The core distinction is environment and scale. CMC offers a collaborative, engaged suburban consortium experience within the five Claremont Colleges, fostering a tight-knit community. Georgetown provides a self-contained campus in Washington, D.C. Qualitatively, discussions suggest CMC's culture can be competitively driven, while Georgetown is often described as less intense.
Who each suits Consider Claremont McKenna for a student prioritizing quantifiable ROI, mentorship in small classes, and a cohesive community within a consortium setting. Consider for a student drawn to the networking opportunities of a global capital, a more traditional campus feel, and the access afforded by its location and brand.
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.
| Location | Claremont, CA | Washington, DC |
|---|
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.