Frequently Asked Questions

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Is Claremont McKenna College "Need-Blind"?
Yes, our admission policy is "Need-Blind." This means that your admission is based solely on your academic record, personal achievements, talent, and potential as a CMC student. Your family's financial situation is not considered and has no bearing on your admission decision.

How can I afford Claremont McKenna College?
CMC's substantial endowment allows the College to be need-blind, to meet full need of all eligible students and to be relatively generous in ways that need is met.

Does CMC offer academic scholarships?
Although CMC's financial aid program is primarily need-based, we also offer academic scholarships.

How do you determine financial need?
In order to qualify for need-based financial aid you must show "financial need."

Determination of Financial Need

How do you determine my family contribution?
In order to qualify for financial aid, your financial need must be determined through the criteria established by an approved "need analysis" formula. This formula estimates the amount both you and your family should be able to contribute toward your education, based on information you report on your CSS PROFILE and FAFSA. CMC uses a more in-depth formula to establish family contributions for institutional aid eligibility.

How do you determine my student contribution?
Your expected family contribution includes a contribution from you the student. The student contribution is determined by the greater of:

A minimum of $1,650–$2,250 (according to grade level)
or
50% of your total income (minus standard allowances)

Parent Contribution + Student Contribution = Family Contribution

How are outside scholarships handled?
Scholarships awarded by various organizations and businesses are generally used to replace the self-help (loan and/or work) portion rather than college grant of your financial aid package.

What is the average financial aid package?
Claremont McKenna College students come from very diverse backgrounds. Consequently, CMC provides financial assistance to students who come from a variety of income situations as it may pertain to household size, number of siblings enrolled in college and sometimes other unique circumstances. This includes students who have very limited resources as well as students who have substantially more resources but still need assistance to meet educational costs. Hence, family income ranges vary for students who qualify for need-based financial aid.

When will I receive my financial aid award notification?
All new students must adhere to published deadlines.  If you submit your financial aid application materials on time, you will receive a financial aid notification within a few days of your admission letter in early April.

If I am an early decision candidate, when will I receive my financial aid package?
If you submit your application material on time, you will receive a "preliminary" financial aid award soon after you receive a letter of admission.  If you are admitted as an early decision candidate, you will not be required to make your admission decision until you have received and reviewed your financial aid package. However, it is important that you subsequently provide accurate and official information as soon as possible to finalize your award.

Is my financial aid renewable?
Each year students must re-apply for financial aid. Changes to the cost of attendance as well as changes in your family's financial circumstances can affect your eligibility each year. Whenever possible, CMC strives to maintain student award levels from year to year while working within federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations.

Is financial aid available for transfer students?
Yes.

Whom should I contact if I have more questions?
Please feel free to contact any of our Admission or Financial Aid staff.

CMC Admission and Financial Aid
890 Columbia Avenue
Claremont, CA 91711-6425
(909) 621-8088 (Admission)
(909) 621-8356 (Financial Aid) 
(909) 607-0661 FAX
finaid@claremontmckenna.edu