Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Claremont McKenna College vs USC

Claremont, CA · Los Angeles, CA · Source: IPEDS federal database

Claremont McKenna CollegeUSC
Acceptance Rate11.1%10.0%
In-State Tuition$64,150$68,237
Out-of-State Tuition$64,150$68,237
Average Net Price$11,693$23,317
Graduation Rate95.0%92.0%

GradFax Analysis

Claremont McKenna College accepts 11.1% of applicants. USC accepts 10.0%. Claremont McKenna College's tuition is $64,150. USC's is $68,237. Claremont McKenna College is cheaper. Claremont McKenna College graduates 95% of students in 6 years. USC graduates 92%.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Claremont McKenna College profileUSC profile

Common Questions

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

USC. It accepts 10.0% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Claremont McKenna College or USC more affordable?

Claremont McKenna College has lower published tuition: $64,150 versus $68,237. 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. USC is at 92%.

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 USC: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax