USC vs Claremont McKenna College Introduction
Choosing the right college is an important decision that can shape your future. Two popular institutions in Southern California are the University of Southern California (USC) and Claremont McKenna College (CMC). In this article, we will compare these two schools across various factors such as costs, admissions, academics, rankings, and outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
USC Overview
The University of Southern California is a large, private research university located in Los Angeles. Established in 1880, USC is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, film, and journalism. With over 20,000 undergraduate students, USC offers a diverse and vibrant campus environment.
USC Costs & Tuition
Tuition at USC for the 2021-2022 academic year is $59,260, with additional fees of $1,015. The total cost of attendance, including room and board, books, and other expenses, is estimated to be around $77,459 per year. USC offers need-based financial aid and scholarships to help students cover the costs.
USC Admissions
Admission to USC is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 11.4% for the 2021-2022 academic year. Applicants must submit their transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. USC also considers extracurricular activities and other accomplishments when reviewing applications.
USC Degrees Offered
USC offers over 150 undergraduate majors and over 400 graduate programs. Some of the most popular majors at USC include Business, Management, Marketing, Engineering, and Visual and Performing Arts. The university also has a strong commitment to research, with numerous research opportunities available to undergraduate students.
USC Academics
USC is known for its rigorous academic programs and strong faculty. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1, ensuring personalized attention and support for students. The average class size is 26 students, and 60% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
USC Diversity
USC is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The undergraduate student body is composed of 42% White, 26% Asian, 14% Hispanic, and 4% Black students. USC also has a large international student population, with students from over 120 countries.
USC Students
USC students are involved in over 1,000 student clubs and organizations, including cultural, academic, professional, and service organizations. Greek life is also popular, with 30% of students participating in fraternities or sororities. USC’s location in Los Angeles offers students access to a vibrant city with countless opportunities for internships, networking, and cultural experiences.
USC Campus
USC’s 226-acre campus is located in the University Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. The campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, with buildings like the iconic Doheny Library and the state-of-the-art Wallis Annenberg Hall. USC also offers a variety of housing options, including residence halls, suites, and apartments.
USC Alumni
USC boasts a strong network of over 400,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include George Lucas, Neil Armstrong, and Will Ferrell. USC alumni have also been successful in various industries, including business, entertainment, sports, and technology.
USC Rankings
USC ranks as the 24th best national university in the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report rankings. The university also ranks 10th for “Best Colleges for Veterans,” and 26th for “Best Value Schools.”
USC Outcomes
USC has a strong track record of producing successful graduates. The overall four-year graduation rate is 76%, while the six-year graduation rate is 92%. The average starting salary of USC graduates is $57,500, and 93% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
Claremont McKenna College Overview
Claremont McKenna College is a small, private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California, and is a member of the prestigious Claremont Colleges consortium. Founded in 1946, CMC is known for its strong programs in economics, government, and international relations, with a focus on leadership and public affairs. The college enrolls around 1,300 undergraduate students, providing a close-knit and supportive community.
Claremont McKenna College Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Claremont McKenna College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $58,065, with additional fees of $540. The total cost of attendance, including room and board, books, and other expenses, is estimated to be around $76,525 per year. CMC offers need-based financial aid and merit scholarships to help students cover the costs.
Claremont McKenna College Admissions
Admission to Claremont McKenna College is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 9.3% for the 2021-2022 academic year. Applicants must submit their transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. CMC also considers extracurricular activities and other accomplishments when reviewing applications.
Claremont McKenna College Degrees Offered
CMC offers over 30 undergraduate majors and a variety of interdisciplinary programs. Some of the most popular majors at CMC include Economics, Political Science, International Relations, Psychology, and Government. The college also encourages students to engage in research and experiential learning through internships, study abroad programs, and research opportunities.
Claremont McKenna College Academics
CMC is known for its strong academic programs and dedicated faculty. The student-faculty ratio is 8:1, ensuring small class sizes and personalized attention for students. The average class size is 19 students, and 67.6% of classes have fewer than 20 students.
Claremont McKenna College Diversity
CMC is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community. The undergraduate student body is composed of 43% White, 21% Asian, 14% Hispanic, and 4% Black students. CMC also has a number of international students, representing over 30 countries.
Claremont McKenna College Students
CMC students are involved in over 130 student clubs and organizations, including academic and professional clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. Greek life is present at CMC, with approximately 30% of students participating in fraternities or sororities. The college’s location in Claremont offers a suburban setting with easy access to Los Angeles for internships and cultural experiences.
Claremont McKenna College Campus
CMC’s 69-acre campus is part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, which includes five undergraduate colleges and two graduate institutions. The campus features a mix of modern and Spanish-style architecture, with beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces. CMC offers a variety of housing options, including residence halls, suites, and apartments.
Claremont McKenna College Alumni
CMC has a strong network of over 15,000 alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include Robin Williams, Steve Bullock, and Paul Zak. CMC graduates have gone on to successful careers in various industries, including government, business, academia, and the nonprofit sector.
Claremont McKenna College Rankings
Claremont McKenna College ranks as the 6th best national liberal arts college in the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report rankings. The college also ranks 3rd for “Best Undergraduate Teaching” and 9th for “Best Value Schools.”
Claremont McKenna College Outcomes
CMC has a strong record of producing successful graduates. The overall four-year graduation rate is 85%, while the six-year graduation rate is 93%. The average starting salary of CMC graduates is $61,300, and 93% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
USC vs Claremont McKenna College Cost Comparison
While both USC and Claremont McKenna College have similar tuition costs for the 2021-2022 academic year ($59,260 for USC and $58,065 for CMC), the total cost of attendance is slightly higher at USC ($77,459) compared to CMC ($76,525). Both schools offer need-based financial aid and scholarships to help students cover the costs. The difference in cost may not be significant enough to be a deciding factor for most students, but it is essential to consider the financial aid packages offered by each institution.
USC vs Claremont McKenna College Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both USC and Claremont McKenna College are highly competitive, with acceptance rates of 11.4% and 9.3% for the 2021-2022 academic year, respectively. Both schools require applicants to submit their transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. Considering the slightly lower acceptance rate at CMC, it may be considered more difficult to gain admission to Claremont McKenna College than to USC.
USC vs Claremont McKenna College Academic Difficulty
Both USC and Claremont McKenna College are known for their rigorous academic programs and strong faculty. The student-faculty ratios at both schools are low (9:1 at USC and 8:1 at CMC), ensuring small class sizes and personalized attention for students. However, as a liberal arts college, CMC offers a more intimate and focused academic experience, while USC, as a large research university, provides a broader range of academic opportunities and resources.
USC vs Claremont McKenna College Outcome Comparison
Both USC and Claremont McKenna College have strong track records of producing successful graduates. The overall four-year graduation rates are 76% for USC and 85% for CMC, while the six-year graduation rates are 92% and 93%, respectively. The average starting salaries of graduates are $57,500 for USC and $61,300 for CMC. Additionally, 93% of graduates from both schools are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. While both schools offer excellent outcomes for their graduates, CMC has a slight edge in terms of graduation rates and starting salaries.
