When you are thinking about going to Claremont McKenna College, one of the biggest questions that will come to your mind is:how much is it really going to cost? Let us break it down together in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
How much is tuition at Claremont McKenna in 2025?
If you are taking a full-time course load (that is three or more classes), here is what you are looking at for tuition alone:
- Tuition per semester: $33,815
- Tuition for the full year: $67,630
If you are not full-time and taking just one class, it would cost $11,271.66 per class.
Also, do not forget about the ASCMC fee, which is $175 each semester. This fee helps support student government and campus activities.
What are the housing options and costs?
Where you live on campus will affect your total cost. There are different types of housing available:
- Residence hall (standard room): $5,595 per semester
- Triple/quad room: $4,885 per semester
- On-campus apartment: $6,430 per semester
- Off-campus apartment: $5,595 per semester
- Off-campus housing fee: $100
So if you go with the most common setup (a standard residence hall room), you will pay about $11,190 per year just for housing.
How much are meal plans at CMC?
You have a few meal plan choices, depending on how many meals you want each week. All meal plans come with a flex dollar amount to use at other food spots on campus.
- 19 meals/week: $4,820 + $200 flex per semester
- 14 meals/week: $4,575 + $140 flex per semester
- 12 meals/week: $4,335 + $120 flex per semester
- 8 meals/week: $4,035 + $80 flex per semester
Most students go with the 14 or 19 meal plan, which would cost you between $9,150 and $9,640 per year.
What is the total cost of attendance?
According to Claremont McKenna’s Office of Financial Aid, the average total cost of attendance for 2024–2025 is about $91,510. This includes:
- Tuition and fees: $67,980
- Housing and meals: $20,830
- Books and supplies: $1,200
- Miscellaneous expenses: $1,500
- Transportation: Varies by student
If you are getting financial aid, you will subtract that from the total. So, for example, if your aid package covers $15,000, your estimated out-of-pocket cost would be about $76,510.
Do you need to pay for health insurance and orientation?
Yes, unless you already have health coverage, you may be required to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP):
- Annual cost: $3,125
- Fall only: $1,336
- Spring only: $1,789
There is also a one-time orientation fee of $500 for new students.
Continue reading:
What is the 401(k) student loan match, how to get and where to know if it will apply to me?
What increases your total loan balance? This is how your student loan debt can grow
