Claremont McKenna College vs Franklin and Marshall College (FandM)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary academic focuses of Claremont McKenna College (CMC) and Franklin & Marshall College (F&M)?

  Claremont McKenna College emphasizes leadership in government, economics, and public affairs. While it offers a strong liberal arts foundation, its curriculum is heavily influenced by these areas. Franklin & Marshall College, on the other hand, is a traditional liberal arts college with a broader range of academic disciplines, including strong programs in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. F&M offers a more general liberal arts experience, while CMC is more focused on preparing students for leadership roles in specific sectors.

• How do the campus cultures differ between CMC and F&M?

  CMC is known for its politically engaged and ambitious student body. There's a strong emphasis on networking and career preparation. F&M has a more relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, with a greater focus on intellectual exploration and personal growth. While both colleges value academic excellence, CMC's culture is often perceived as more pre-professional, while F&M's is more traditionally academic.

• What is the size and location of each college?

  Claremont McKenna College is a small, highly selective liberal arts college located in Claremont, California, part of the Claremont Colleges consortium. It has an undergraduate enrollment of around 1,400 students. Franklin & Marshall College is also a small liberal arts college, located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2,300 students. CMC benefits from the resources and social opportunities of the Claremont Colleges, while F&M offers a more self-contained campus experience.

• How do the career services and internship opportunities compare?

  Both CMC and F&M offer robust career services. CMC's location in Southern California and its strong alumni network in business and government provide excellent internship and job opportunities, particularly in those fields. F&M's career services are also strong, with a focus on connecting students with opportunities in a wider range of industries and locations, leveraging its alumni network and partnerships in the Northeast and beyond. Both colleges actively support students in securing internships and post-graduate employment.

• What is the Claremont Colleges consortium, and how does it affect the CMC experience?

  The Claremont Colleges consortium is a unique feature of CMC. It comprises five undergraduate colleges (CMC, Pomona, Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer) and two graduate institutions. CMC students can cross-register for courses at the other colleges, participate in extracurricular activities, and share resources like libraries and dining halls. This provides CMC students with the resources of a much larger university while maintaining the intimacy of a small college environment. It significantly broadens academic and social opportunities.

• How do the financial aid packages typically compare between CMC and F&M?

  Both Claremont McKenna College and Franklin & Marshall College are committed to meeting the demonstrated financial need of their students. The specific financial aid packages will vary based on individual family circumstances. It's best to use the Net Price Calculators on each college's website to get an estimate of your potential costs. Both institutions offer merit-based scholarships in addition to need-based aid.

• What are the strengths of each college in terms of specific academic programs?

  CMC is particularly strong in economics, government, international relations, and finance. Its programs are designed to prepare students for leadership roles in these fields. F&M excels in a broader range of liberal arts disciplines, including biology, English, history, and government. It also has a strong reputation for its pre-health programs. Consider your specific academic interests when evaluating the strengths of each college.

• How do the residential life experiences differ between CMC and F&M?

  CMC's residential life is integrated with the other Claremont Colleges, allowing students to live and socialize with students from all five undergraduate institutions. This creates a diverse and vibrant social scene. F&M's residential life is more focused on its own campus, fostering a close-knit community among its students. Both colleges offer a variety of housing options, but the social dynamics differ due to the consortium structure at CMC.

• What type of student is likely to thrive at Claremont McKenna College versus Franklin & Marshall College?

  A student who is highly motivated, career-oriented, and interested in leadership roles in business, government, or public affairs is likely to thrive at CMC. Someone who enjoys a politically engaged environment and values networking opportunities would also be a good fit. A student who is intellectually curious, values a broad liberal arts education, and seeks a close-knit community is likely to thrive at F&M. Someone who appreciates a more relaxed and collaborative atmosphere would also be a good fit.

• What are the key similarities between Claremont McKenna College and Franklin & Marshall College?

  Both Claremont McKenna College and Franklin & Marshall College are highly selective, small liberal arts colleges with a strong emphasis on undergraduate education. They both offer a challenging academic environment, dedicated faculty, and opportunities for students to engage in research and extracurricular activities. Both colleges are committed to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in their chosen fields.