Harvey Mudd College, a private institution known for its rigorous STEM programs, comes with an exorbitant price tag. For students planning to attend during the 2025–2026 academic year, it is important to assess the total cost of attendance. The following provides a basic outline of the estimated expenses.
Tuition and required fees
Tuition at Harvey Mudd is estimated to be $72,699 for the academic year 2025-2026. This is the major cost of attendance, covering instruction and usage of all college facilities. There is an additional Student Body Fee of $401, which goes towards the activities of student organizations and activities open to the full campus.
Housing and meal plan
Living on campus adds to the total expense. Housing is estimated for the year at $12,570 and the 19-meal-per-week dining plan at $10,864. These charges are standard for students opting to live and eat on campus-a practice encouraged by the College, especially for first-year students.
Additional personal costs
In addition to billed expenses, students should budget for personal costs not included in the college billing system. These include:
- Books and supplies: Estimated at $800
- Personal expenses: Estimated at $1,400
These out-of-pocket expenses bring the average total cost of attendance (COA) to around $98,984 for the year.
New student fees
Incoming first-year and transfer students will also need to pay a $250 Orientation Fee, which covers activities and resources for the transition into college life. This fee is charged only once and is not refundable.
Health insurance requirement
All students must have health insurance. If a student doesn’t provide proof of comparable coverage, they will be automatically enrolled in the college’s Student Health Insurance Plan. Waivers must be submitted by September 12 to avoid this automatic charge.
Payment options and late fees
Harvey Mudd offers two primary payment plans:
- Monthly payment plan: Includes a $50 service charge per semester
- Full Payment plan: No additional fee
All charges must be paid in U.S. currency or through accepted financial instruments. If a student account becomes delinquent, a 1% late fee applies to the unpaid balance. Delinquent students risk being barred from classes, the dining hall, or even being disenrolled.
Deposits and transcripts
All first-time students remit a deposit of $300 to secure enrollment, half ($150) of which is designated as a housing damage deposit while the remaining deposit becomes credit for housing on the first bill. It should be remembered that these deposits are non-refundable.
Transcript requests cost $5 for electronic copies and $6 for paper copies, while unofficial transcripts are free.
Estimated total cost
It’s worth noting that the college’s average annual cost of $98,984, which seems pretty steep, also nearly encompasses every aspect of student life-from academics to housing-and feeding the students. Future students are encouraged to consider financial aid options to mitigate such burdens.
Planning is important when trying to earn maximum value from your investment at Harvey Mudd College.
