Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Claremont McKenna College vs UC Berkeley

Claremont, CA · Berkeley, CA · Source: IPEDS federal database

Claremont McKenna CollegeUC Berkeley
Acceptance Rate11.1%11.7%
In-State Tuition$64,150$14,850
Out-of-State Tuition$64,150$45,627
Average Net Price$11,693$16,997
Graduation Rate95.0%93.0%

GradFax Analysis

Both are competitive to get into. Claremont McKenna College accepts 11.1% of applicants; UC Berkeley accepts 11.7%. Claremont McKenna College's tuition is $64,150. UC Berkeley's is $14,850. That's a $49,300 difference per year. Six-year graduation rates are close: 95% at Claremont McKenna College, 93% at UC Berkeley.

Bottom Line

UC Berkeley is public; Claremont McKenna College is private. If you're an in-state student, UC Berkeley will cost significantly less. Check the net price numbers above before deciding.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Claremont McKenna College profileUC Berkeley profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Claremont McKenna College or UC Berkeley?

Claremont McKenna College. It accepts 11.1% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Claremont McKenna College or UC Berkeley more affordable?

UC Berkeley has lower published tuition: $14,850 versus $64,150. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Claremont McKenna College: 95% of students finish in 6 years. UC Berkeley is at 93%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Claremont McKenna College vs UC Berkeley: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax