Franklin W Olin College of Engineering vs Harvey Mudd College
Harvey Mudd College is highly selective with a 13.1% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (21.7%). Graduates of Harvey Mudd College earn $9,232 more per year at the 10-year mark ($138,687 vs $129,455). For families earning $48k–$75k, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is more affordable at $13,333 net price vs $17,968. Students at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduate with less debt ($19,500 vs $25,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering has a higher yield rate (48.8%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1530, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Needham, MA
Claremont, CA
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), Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is more affordable at $7,058 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $46,317 vs $50,665.
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. Harvey Mudd College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (14%), 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.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering
- 1 Mechanical Engineering$78,343
- 2 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$76,460
- 3 Engineering, General$75,706
Harvey Mudd College
- 1 Computer Science$142,581
- 2 Mathematics and Computer Science$122,038
- 3 Engineering, General$81,997
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.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering
- 1 Engineering, General
- 2 Mechanical Engineering
- 3 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Harvey Mudd College
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Engineering, General
- 3 Mathematics and Computer Science
- 4 Physics
- 5 Mathematics
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.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering
- International students8%
- Tuition (international)$53,990
- Est. total cost/year$74,816
- School typePublic
Harvey Mudd College
- International students10%
- Tuition (international)$58,359
- Est. total cost/year$72,470
- 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Franklin W Olin College of Engineering or Harvey Mudd College?
Harvey Mudd College is more selective with a 13.1% acceptance rate, compared to 21.7%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Franklin W Olin College of Engineering or Harvey Mudd College?
Harvey Mudd College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $138,687 compared to $129,455. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Franklin W Olin College of Engineering or Harvey Mudd College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Franklin W Olin College of Engineering has a lower net price at $13,333 per year vs $17,968. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering vs Harvey Mudd College?
Harvey Mudd College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 92.8%, compared to 92.2%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Franklin W Olin College of Engineering or Harvey Mudd College?
Harvey Mudd College has a larger international student population at 10% 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 Franklin W Olin College of Engineering and Harvey Mudd College?
At Franklin W Olin College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering graduates earn a median of $78,343 within two years. At Harvey Mudd College, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $142,581. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.