Claremont McKenna College vs Northeastern University Oakland
Claremont McKenna College is highly selective with a 11.1% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Northeastern University Oakland (16.5%). Graduates of Claremont McKenna College earn $27,977 more per year at the 10-year mark ($86,571 vs $58,594). For families earning $48k–$75k, Claremont McKenna College is more affordable at $15,962 net price vs $22,894. Students at Claremont McKenna College graduate with less debt ($15,000 vs $22,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Claremont McKenna College has a higher yield rate (49.8%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Claremont McKenna College has a higher median SAT (1510 vs 1470).
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Claremont McKenna College is more affordable at $5,387 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $43,248 vs $37,997.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Northeastern University Oakland enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (46%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Claremont McKenna College
- 1 Economics$87,754
- 2 Political Science and Government$41,025
Northeastern University Oakland
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$89,413
- 2 Business/Commerce, General$63,111
- 3 Economics$60,046
- 4 Health and Medical Administrative Services$38,289
- 5 Biology, General$38,108
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Claremont McKenna College
- 1 Economics
- 2 Political Science and Government
- 3 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- 4 Systems Science and Theory
- 5 Research and Experimental Psychology
Northeastern University Oakland
- 1 Fine and Studio Arts
- 2 Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- 3 English Language and Literature, General
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 Sociology
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Claremont McKenna College
- International students15%
- Tuition (international)$56,190
- Est. total cost/year$73,775
- School typePublic
Northeastern University Oakland
- International students21%
- Tuition (international)$62,000
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 21% international enrollment, Northeastern University Oakland likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Claremont McKenna College or Northeastern University Oakland?
Claremont McKenna College is more selective with a 11.1% acceptance rate, compared to 16.5%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Claremont McKenna College or Northeastern University Oakland?
Claremont McKenna College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $86,571 compared to $58,594. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Claremont McKenna College or Northeastern University Oakland?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Claremont McKenna College has a lower net price at $15,962 per year vs $22,894. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Claremont McKenna College vs Northeastern University Oakland?
Claremont McKenna College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 92.3%, compared to 65.2%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Claremont McKenna College or Northeastern University Oakland?
Northeastern University Oakland has a larger international student population at 21% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Claremont McKenna College and Northeastern University Oakland?
At Claremont McKenna College, Economics graduates earn a median of $87,754 within two years. At Northeastern University Oakland, the top-earning major is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $89,413. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.