Claremont McKenna College vs University of Southern California
University of Southern California is highly selective with a 10.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Claremont McKenna College (11.1%). Graduates of Claremont McKenna College earn $12,238 more per year at the 10-year mark ($104,736 vs $92,498). For families earning $48k–$75k, Claremont McKenna College is more affordable at $16,389 net price vs $19,539. Students at Claremont McKenna College graduate with less debt ($13,500 vs $18,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Claremont McKenna College has a higher yield rate (49.8%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1510, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Claremont, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), University of Southern California is more affordable at $13,516 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $52,295 vs $56,116.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. University of Southern California enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (22%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Claremont McKenna College
- 1 Economics$87,754
- 2 Political Science and Government$41,025
University of Southern California
- 1 Computer Software and Media Applications$108,649
- 2 Computer Science$91,986
- 3 Computer Engineering$90,602
- 4 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$80,567
- 5 Industrial Engineering$78,029
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Claremont McKenna College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Systems Science and Theory
- 3 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- 4 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 5 Political Science and Government
University of Southern California
- 1 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- 2 Computer Science
- 3 Communication and Media Studies
- 4 Human Biology
- 5 Psychology, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Claremont McKenna College
- International students15%
- Tuition (international)$56,190
- Est. total cost/year$73,775
- School typePublic
University of Southern California
- International students27%
- Tuition (international)$59,260
- Est. total cost/year$76,673
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 27% international enrollment, University of Southern California likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Claremont McKenna College or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California is more selective with a 10.0% acceptance rate, compared to 11.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Claremont McKenna College or University of Southern California?
Claremont McKenna College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $104,736 compared to $92,498. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Claremont McKenna College or University of Southern California?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Claremont McKenna College has a lower net price at $16,389 per year vs $19,539. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Claremont McKenna College vs University of Southern California?
Claremont McKenna College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 93.3%, compared to 91.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Claremont McKenna College or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California has a larger international student population at 27% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Claremont McKenna College and University of Southern California?
At Claremont McKenna College, Economics graduates earn a median of $87,754 within two years. At University of Southern California, the top-earning major is Computer Software and Media Applications at $108,649. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.