Claremont McKenna College vs Ursinus College

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the main differences between Claremont McKenna College (CMC) and Ursinus College?

  Claremont McKenna College (CMC) is a highly selective, primarily undergraduate, liberal arts college focused on leadership in government, economics, and public affairs, located in Claremont, California, as part of the Claremont Colleges consortium. Ursinus College is a private, liberal arts college located in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, emphasizing a personalized educational experience and a strong sense of community. CMC's location within a consortium offers students access to a wider range of resources and social opportunities, while Ursinus provides a more intimate and focused campus environment.

• How do the academic focuses of CMC and Ursinus differ?

  CMC is known for its emphasis on economics, government, and international relations, with a curriculum designed to foster leadership skills. While offering a broad liberal arts education, CMC's programs are often geared towards preparing students for careers in business, public policy, and related fields. Ursinus College offers a more traditional liberal arts curriculum with a focus on interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking. While Ursinus also offers pre-professional programs, its core curriculum emphasizes the humanities, sciences, and social sciences more broadly.

• What is the size and location difference between the two colleges?

  Claremont McKenna College has a smaller student body, typically around 1,300-1,400 undergraduates, and is located in Claremont, California, a suburban city east of Los Angeles. Its location within the Claremont Colleges consortium provides access to the resources of five undergraduate colleges and two graduate institutions. Ursinus College has a similar student body size, around 1,500 undergraduates, and is located in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, a small town about 25 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Ursinus offers a more self-contained campus environment.

• How do the campus cultures compare at CMC and Ursinus?

  CMC is often described as having a more pre-professional and politically engaged campus culture, with a strong emphasis on leadership and networking. The Claremont Colleges consortium fosters a vibrant social scene. Ursinus College is known for its close-knit community and emphasis on student involvement. The campus culture at Ursinus is generally considered to be more collaborative and supportive, with a strong focus on undergraduate research and community engagement.

• What are the admission rates and selectivity of CMC and Ursinus?

  Claremont McKenna College is highly selective, with a significantly lower acceptance rate than Ursinus College. CMC typically admits around 10% of applicants, while Ursinus College's acceptance rate is generally higher, around 70%. This difference reflects the higher level of competition for admission to CMC.

• What are the typical class sizes at CMC and Ursinus?

  Both Claremont McKenna College and Ursinus College pride themselves on small class sizes. At CMC, the average class size is around 16 students. Ursinus College also maintains small class sizes, with an average of around 18 students. This allows for more personalized attention from professors and greater opportunities for student-faculty interaction at both institutions.

• What opportunities for study abroad are available at CMC and Ursinus?

  Both Claremont McKenna College and Ursinus College offer a variety of study abroad programs. CMC offers programs in numerous countries through the Claremont Colleges consortium, providing a wide range of options. Ursinus College also has partnerships with universities around the world, offering students opportunities to study in diverse locations. Students at both institutions can find programs that align with their academic interests and personal goals.

• How do the career services and internship opportunities compare?

  CMC's Soll Center for Student Opportunity provides extensive career services, including internship placement assistance, networking events, and career counseling, leveraging its strong alumni network in business and government. Ursinus College's career services also offer internship support and career guidance, with a focus on connecting students with opportunities in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Both colleges emphasize experiential learning and provide resources to help students prepare for their careers.

• What is the cost of attendance at CMC and Ursinus, and what financial aid options are available?

  The cost of attendance at both Claremont McKenna College and Ursinus College is significant, but both institutions offer need-based and merit-based financial aid. CMC's financial aid packages are often generous, aiming to meet 100% of demonstrated need. Ursinus College also provides substantial financial aid packages to eligible students. It's important to visit the financial aid websites of both colleges to understand the specific costs and aid options available.

• What are the athletic programs like at CMC and Ursinus?

  Claremont McKenna College, along with Harvey Mudd and Scripps Colleges, forms the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CMS) athletic program, competing in NCAA Division III. CMS offers a wide range of varsity sports. Ursinus College also competes in NCAA Division III and offers a variety of varsity sports. Both colleges emphasize the importance of athletics as part of a well-rounded education.

• How does the residential life experience differ between CMC and Ursinus?

  CMC has a strong residential life program, with most students living on campus all four years. The residential experience is integrated with the academic and social life of the college. Ursinus College also has a vibrant residential life program, with a high percentage of students living on campus. Ursinus emphasizes creating a supportive and inclusive residential community.

• What are some unique aspects of each college?

  A unique aspect of CMC is its emphasis on leadership development and its location within the Claremont Colleges consortium, providing access to a wider range of academic and social resources. A unique aspect of Ursinus College is its personalized educational experience, its strong sense of community, and its commitment to undergraduate research and civic engagement.