Claremont McKenna College vs Macalester College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary academic focuses of Claremont McKenna College (CMC) and Macalester College?

  Claremont McKenna College emphasizes economics, government, and international relations, with a strong focus on leadership development. Macalester College, on the other hand, is a liberal arts college known for its internationalism, social justice focus, and strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

• How do the campus environments and locations differ between CMC and Macalester?

  CMC is located in Claremont, California, as part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, offering a suburban campus environment with access to the resources of five undergraduate colleges and two graduate institutions. Macalester College is situated in a residential neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota, providing an urban campus experience with easy access to the cultural and professional opportunities of the Twin Cities.

• What is the size and selectivity of each college?

  Claremont McKenna College is a highly selective institution with a smaller student body, typically around 1,300-1,400 undergraduates. Macalester College is also highly selective but slightly larger, with an undergraduate population of approximately 2,100 students.

• How do the approaches to undergraduate research differ between CMC and Macalester?

  Both colleges offer robust undergraduate research opportunities. CMC emphasizes research related to its core areas of economics, government, and international affairs, often with a focus on policy-oriented research. Macalester provides research opportunities across a broader range of disciplines, reflecting its liberal arts focus, and encourages interdisciplinary research projects.

• What are the career services and internship opportunities like at CMC and Macalester?

  CMC's Soll Center for Student Opportunity provides extensive career services, with a strong emphasis on internships in finance, consulting, and government. Its location in Southern California provides access to many opportunities. Macalester's Career Development Center focuses on internships and career paths aligned with its liberal arts mission, including opportunities in non-profit organizations, government, and international affairs, leveraging its location in the Twin Cities.

• How do the student cultures compare at CMC and Macalester?

  CMC is known for its ambitious and career-oriented student body, with a strong emphasis on leadership and entrepreneurship. Macalester's student body is typically described as globally-minded, socially conscious, and academically driven, with a strong commitment to social justice and civic engagement.

• What is the role of athletics at each college?

  CMC participates in NCAA Division III athletics as part of the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS) Athenas and Stags, offering a wide range of varsity sports. Macalester College also competes in NCAA Division III athletics, emphasizing participation and sportsmanship. While both offer competitive athletics, they are not the central focus of student life at either institution.

• How do the costs of attendance compare between CMC and Macalester?

  The cost of attendance at both Claremont McKenna College and Macalester College is relatively similar, placing them among the more expensive colleges in the United States. However, both institutions offer generous financial aid packages to eligible students, aiming to make education accessible regardless of financial background. It's best to check each college's website for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.

• What are the key similarities between Claremont McKenna College and Macalester College?

  Both CMC and Macalester are highly selective liberal arts colleges with a strong emphasis on academic rigor and intellectual curiosity. They both offer small class sizes, close interaction with faculty, and a commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in various fields. Both also prioritize creating a diverse and inclusive campus community.

• How does the consortium model at CMC affect the student experience compared to Macalester?

  CMC's membership in the Claremont Colleges consortium provides students with access to a wider range of courses, resources, and social activities than they would find at a standalone college like Macalester. Students at CMC can take classes at any of the other Claremont Colleges, participate in joint extracurricular activities, and benefit from the combined resources of the consortium. Macalester students benefit from a more focused and intimate campus environment, with a strong sense of community within the college itself.