When it comes to selecting a college, many factors come into play: cost, location, academic offerings, campus life, diversity, and more. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare two prestigious institutions: Claremont McKenna College (CMC) and Cornell University, examining their individual characteristics and how they stand against each other in various aspects. By the end, you should have a clearer understanding of what each school offers and which one might be the best fit for you.
Claremont McKenna College Overview
Claremont McKenna College, founded in 1946, is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, California. As part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, CMC students have access to resources from the other six colleges in the area. The college has a strong focus on economics, government, and international relations and is well-known for its rigorous academics and personalized approach to education.
Claremont McKenna College Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year at Claremont McKenna is $78,250, including tuition, fees, room, and board. However, CMC is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for its students, and over half of the student body receives financial aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students is $45,890.
Claremont McKenna College Admissions
Admission to Claremont McKenna is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 10%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1400 to 1520 and ACT scores from 32 to 35. The college also emphasizes a strong application, including essays, extracurricular activities, and teacher recommendations.
Claremont McKenna College Degrees Offered
Claremont McKenna offers 34 majors and 40 minors, with popular programs in economics, government, psychology, and international relations. CMC also provides the option to create a personalized major, combining courses from various disciplines to suit individual interests. In addition, students can take classes at any of the other Claremont Colleges, expanding their academic options even further.
Claremont McKenna College Academics
CMC prides itself on its strong academics, with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 19. Professors are dedicated to their students’ success, providing individualized attention and fostering a collaborative learning environment. The college has a strong emphasis on research, and students are encouraged to participate in faculty-led projects and present their findings at conferences.
Claremont McKenna College Diversity
Claremont McKenna is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 45% of CMC’s student body identifies as students of color, and the college offers numerous resources and support services to ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive.
Claremont McKenna College Students
The Claremont McKenna student body consists of around 1,300 undergraduate students. The college is known for its tight-knit community and focus on leadership, with many students actively participating in clubs, community service, and internships. CMC also has a vibrant Greek life, with approximately 40% of students involved in fraternities or sororities.
Claremont McKenna College Campus
Claremont McKenna’s campus spans 69 acres and features a combination of classic and modern architecture. The college offers plenty of green spaces, and students have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Roberts Environmental Center, the Kravis Center, and the Gold Student Health and Wellness Center. CMC’s location in Southern California also provides students with opportunities for outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and internships.
Claremont McKenna College Alumni
CMC’s alumni network is both highly engaged and successful. Graduates have gone on to pursue careers in a variety of fields, including finance, government, law, and technology. Notable alumni include Robert F. Engle, the Nobel laureate in economics, and Robin Williams, a former member of the United States Foreign Service.
Claremont McKenna College Rankings
Claremont McKenna College consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, CMC is ranked #6 for Best National Liberal Arts Colleges and #7 for Best Undergraduate Teaching. The college is also highly regarded for its commitment to social mobility, ranking #9 for Best Value Schools.
Claremont McKenna College Outcomes
CMC has a strong record of graduate success, with a 93% four-year graduation rate and a 95% placement rate for employment or graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for CMC graduates is $63,000, with many alumni pursuing careers in high-paying fields such as finance and consulting.
Cornell University Overview
Cornell University, founded in 1865, is a prestigious Ivy League institution located in Ithaca, New York. The university offers a diverse range of academic programs and has a strong focus on research, with over 100 research centers and institutes. Cornell’s beautiful campus spans over 2,300 acres and includes the renowned Cornell Botanic Gardens.
Cornell University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance at Cornell is $78,992, including tuition, fees, room, and board. The university is committed to making education affordable and accessible, with over 50% of undergraduate students receiving need-based financial aid. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students is $40,686.
Cornell University Admissions
Admission to Cornell is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of approximately 11%. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 1390 to 1540 and ACT scores from 32 to 35. As with Claremont McKenna, Cornell requires a strong application, including essays, extracurricular activities, and teacher recommendations.
Cornell University Degrees Offered
Cornell offers over 100 majors and minors across its seven undergraduate colleges and schools. Some of the most popular programs include engineering, business, biological sciences, and hotel administration. The university is also known for its interdisciplinary approach to education, allowing students to combine their interests across different fields.
Cornell University Academics
With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 15, Cornell provides students with a personalized and supportive academic environment. The university has a strong emphasis on research, with many undergraduates participating in research projects and internships across various disciplines.
Cornell University Diversity
Cornell University is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 46% of the university’s undergraduate students identify as students of color, and the institution offers a wide range of resources and support services to ensure the success of all students.
Cornell University Students
Cornell has a vibrant and engaged student body, with over 15,000 undergraduate students participating in more than 1,000 clubs, organizations, and activities. The university also offers a robust Greek life, with approximately 30% of students involved in fraternities or sororities.
Cornell University Campus
Cornell’s picturesque campus is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, offering students stunning views and access to numerous outdoor recreational activities. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities include the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Johnson Museum of Art, and the Duffield Hall nanotechnology research center.
Cornell University Alumni
With over 250,000 living alumni, Cornell has a vast and influential network of graduates. Notable alumni include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice; E.B. White, author of “Charlotte’s Web”; and Bill Nye “The Science Guy.”
Cornell University Rankings
Cornell University consistently ranks among the top national universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Cornell is ranked #17 for Best National Universities and #11 for Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. The university is also highly regarded for its commitment to social mobility, ranking #21 for Best Value Schools.
Cornell University Outcomes
Cornell boasts a 94% four-year graduation rate and an impressive 95% placement rate for employment or graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Cornell graduates is $66,000, and many alumni go on to pursue careers in fields such as engineering, finance, and law.
Claremont McKenna College vs Cornell University Cost Comparison
Both Claremont McKenna College and Cornell University have similar estimated costs of attendance for the 2021-2022 academic year, with CMC at $78,250 and Cornell at $78,992. However, the average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Claremont McKenna is slightly higher, at $45,890, compared to $40,686 at Cornell. Both schools are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for their students, but your individual financial aid package will depend on your unique circumstances.
Claremont McKenna College vs Cornell University Admissions Difficulty
Admission to both Claremont McKenna College and Cornell University is highly competitive, with acceptance rates of approximately 10% and 11%, respectively. Both schools have similar SAT and ACT score ranges for admitted students, and both require a strong application, including essays, extracurricular activities, and teacher recommendations. Given the similarities in admission statistics, it is difficult to determine which school is more difficult to gain acceptance to; however, both schools are highly selective and will require a strong application to be considered.
Claremont McKenna College vs Cornell University Academic Difficulty
While both schools are known for their rigorous academics, the academic difficulty at Claremont McKenna College and Cornell University may vary depending on the specific program or major. Claremont McKenna is primarily a liberal arts college, with a strong focus on economics, government, and international relations. Cornell, on the other hand, is a larger research university offering a wider range of academic programs, including engineering and hotel administration, which may present different levels of difficulty. It’s essential to research the specific programs you’re interested in at each school to determine which institution may be more academically challenging for you.
Claremont McKenna College vs Cornell University Outcome Comparison
Both Claremont McKenna College and Cornell University have strong graduate success rates, with four-year graduation rates of 93% and 94%, respectively, and placement rates for employment or graduate school within six months of graduation at 95%. The average starting salary for CMC graduates is $63,000, while the average starting salary for Cornell graduates is slightly higher at $66,000. Your individual outcome may vary depending on factors such as your chosen major, internships, and extracurricular activities. However, both schools offer strong alumni networks and opportunities for success in various fields.
