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Harvey Mudd College vs Pacific Oaks College

Pacific Oaks College is highly selective with a 10.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Harvey Mudd College (13.1%). Graduates of Harvey Mudd College earn $86,202 more per year at the 10-year mark ($138,687 vs $52,485). Students at Harvey Mudd College graduate with less debt ($25,000 vs $29,105).

Admissions & Outcomes

Pacific Oaks College has a higher yield rate (66.7%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.

Harvey Mudd College

Claremont, CA

Pacific Oaks College

Pasadena, CA

Acceptance Rate
13.1%
10.0%
Applicants (2023)
4,792
30
Median SAT
1530
N/A
Yield Rate
35.8%
66.7%
6-Year Graduation Rate
92.8%
N/A
Median Earnings (10yr)
$138,687
$52,485
Median Earnings (6yr)
$115,107
$47,962
Median Debt
$25,000
$29,105
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$58,359
$11,482
Room & Board
$13,870
N/A

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.

Family Income
Harvey Mudd College
Pacific Oaks College
$0 – $30k
$27,979
N/A
$30k – $48k
$23,883
N/A
$48k – $75k
$17,968
N/A
$75k – $110k
N/A
N/A
$110k+
$50,665
N/A

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. Pacific Oaks College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (55%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.

Metric
Harvey Mudd College
Pacific Oaks College
Students Receiving Grants
65%
64%
Average Grant Amount
$41,737
$4,912
Pell Grant Recipients
14%
55%
Institutional Grant Rate
68%
N/A
Avg Institutional Grant
$38,600
N/A

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.

Harvey Mudd College

  • 1 Computer Science
    $142,581
  • 2 Mathematics and Computer Science
    $122,038
  • 3 Engineering, General
    $81,997

Pacific Oaks College

  • 1 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
    $39,927
  • 2 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
    $37,883

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.

Harvey Mudd College

  • 1 Computer Science
  • 2 Engineering, General
  • 3 Mathematics and Computer Science
  • 4 Physics
  • 5 Mathematics

Pacific Oaks College

  • 1 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
  • 2 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • 3 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • 4 Social Work

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.

Metric
Harvey Mudd College
Pacific Oaks College
Total Enrollment
949
1,051
Retention Rate
97%
N/A
Women
49%
87%
International Students
10%
N/A
Asian
23%
4%
Hispanic/Latino
22%
48%
Black
5%
13%
White
22%
22%

For International Students

Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.

Harvey Mudd College

  • International students10%
  • Tuition (international)$58,359
  • Est. total cost/year$72,470
  • School typePublic

Pacific Oaks College

  • International studentsN/A
  • Tuition (international)$11,482
  • 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.
  • 0

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it harder to get into Harvey Mudd College or Pacific Oaks College?

Pacific Oaks College is more selective with a 10.0% acceptance rate, compared to 13.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.

Which school has higher earnings: Harvey Mudd College or Pacific Oaks College?

Harvey Mudd College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $138,687 compared to $52,485. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.

Which school has more international students: Harvey Mudd College or Pacific Oaks 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 Harvey Mudd College and Pacific Oaks College?

At Harvey Mudd College, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $142,581 within two years. At Pacific Oaks College, the top-earning major is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $39,927. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.

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