Claremont McKenna College (CMC), located in Claremont, California, is renowned for its rigorous academics and highly selective admissions process. For the Class of 2028, CMC reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 10.4%, reflecting its status as one of the most competitive liberal arts colleges in the United States. This selectivity is driven by a growing applicant pool, with thousands of students vying for a limited number of spots each year, alongside the college’s emphasis on academic excellence, leadership, and fit. Fortunately, CMC provides transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, offering valuable insights for prospective students.
Over the past decade, Claremont McKenna College has seen increasing competitiveness, with acceptance rates declining from around 14% in 2015 to the current 10.4%. The rise in early decision applications has contributed to this trend, as a significant portion of the incoming class is filled through binding commitments. Additionally, international student admissions remain highly competitive due to CMC’s global reputation and small class sizes. Compared to peer institutions like Pomona College and Swarthmore College, CMC’s selectivity is on par, often hovering within the 8-12% range for top liberal arts colleges. Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore detailed statistics on the CMC Admissions website or review the Common Data Set for historical trends.
