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College comparison
Claremont McKenna vs USC
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 |  USC Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateClaremont McKenna College is more selective | 10% | 10% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1470–1560 | 1450–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 1,388 | 20,443 |
| Avg net price | $28,849 | $32,740 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Claremont McKenna reports higher median earnings | $104,736 | $92,498 |
| Graduation rate | 91% | 92% |
| Median debt | $13,500 | $18,000 |
| Economic mobility | 3.0% | 3.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Claremont McKenna vs USC: how they compare
Two premier Southern California institutions, one a small liberal arts college and the other a major research university, offer distinct paths to success.
By the numbers Both are highly selective with a 10% acceptance rate. Claremont McKenna’s (CMC) admitted student SAT middle 50% (1470–1560) is marginally higher than USC’s (1450–1550). Post-graduate financial outcomes diverge: CMC’s 10-year median earnings are $105k with a value multiplier of 3.6× earnings per dollar of net price, compared to USC’s $92k and 2.8× multiplier. USC, however, excels in economic mobility with a rate of 393% versus CMC’s 296%. USC’s admit-rate volatility is significantly higher (62% vs. 32%). Both share strong graduation rates (CMC 91%, USC 92%) and identical DOE financial health scores (2.5/3). The average net price is $29k at CMC and $33k at USC.
Where they overlap Both are highly selective schools in Southern California with strong graduation outcomes and robust financial health. They attract high-achieving students and provide substantial platforms for professional development.
How they differ The core distinction is environment and scale. CMC offers a small, close-knit, suburban liberal arts experience focused on leadership, economics, and public policy within a collaborative five-college consortium. USC is a large research university in Los Angeles, offering broad academic breadth, a strong alumni network, and the energy of a major city.
Who each suits Claremont McKenna suits students who prioritize a tight-knit community, close professor interaction, and a focused curriculum in leadership and the social sciences. USC is a fit for those who thrive in a large, diverse campus environment, desire wide academic and extracurricular variety, and want access to the opportunities of a global city.
Quick answers
- Is Claremont McKenna College or University of Southern California harder to get into?
- Claremont McKenna College is more selective: Claremont McKenna College's acceptance rate is approximately 10% and University of Southern California's is approximately 10% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Claremont McKenna College vs University of Southern California?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1470–1560 at Claremont McKenna College and 1450–1550 at University of Southern California. 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.