Scripps College
Scripps College has an acceptance rate of 38.3%, annual tuition of $65,950, average net price of $36,294, and a national rank of #320 (Grade B+), with a 83.7% graduation rate, about 1,113 undergraduates, and median earnings of $75,301 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Scripps College is a private nonprofit university in Claremont, CA. Students most often pursue liberal arts and sciences.
Day to day, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and 93.8% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 45.8%, roughly 4.1 points below typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Scripps College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Scripps College graduates 83.7% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 93.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns an F compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Scripps College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $65,950 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $22,136 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $87,564 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 11.0% of Scripps College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $6,948 to $54,572 depending on family income. Use Scripps College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $36,472/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $54,572/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $75,301
- 10-Year Median Earnings $77,539
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $13,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 92.4%
- Employment Rate 80.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Scripps College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Scripps College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Scripps College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Scripps College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Scripps College graduates earn $75,301 median, the 45.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 720-770
- SAT Math 720-770
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 31-34
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,113
- Full-Time Students 99.6%
- Part-Time Students 0.4%
- Retention Rate 93.8%
- Graduation Rate 83.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Scripps College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Scripps College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 38.3%, Scripps College is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Scripps College accepts 38.3% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1440 and 1540 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Scripps College undergraduates. Research and Experimental Psychology, Political Science and Government, and Area Studies draw the most students.
- Research and Experimental Psychology 7.7%
- Political Science and Government 7.3%
- Area Studies 6.2%
- Communication and Media Studies 5.5%
- English Language and Literature, General 5.5%
- Fine and Studio Arts 5.5%
See more majors
- Economics 5.1%
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 4.4%
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Scripps College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 21 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 20 graduates)
- Area Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 17 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
- English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (47 programs)▼
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Political Science and Government
- Area Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Economics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Computer Science
- Biology, General
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Human Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Cognitive Science
- Mathematics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- History
- Chemistry
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Engineering, General
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Physics
- Music
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dance
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Accounting and Related Services
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- International/Global Studies
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Systems Science and Theory
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Science, Technology and Society
- Public Policy Analysis
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)▼
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (1 program)▼
- Engineering, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,113
- Full-Time Students 99.6%
- Part-Time Students 0.4%
- Male Students 0.1%
- Female Students 99.9%
- Caucasian 54.0%
- Asian 14.5%
- Hispanic 11.4%
- Black 3.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 11.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Scripps College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Scripps College's undergraduate population. Women make up 99.9% of the student body, while men represent 0.1%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Scripps College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Scripps College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 99.9% of undergraduates. About 11.0% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Scripps College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Scripps College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Scripps College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 45.8% ROI. Ranked #320 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $36,294 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $75,301 median earnings. With 83.7% earning an award within eight years of entry and 93.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Scripps College's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #320 ranking, Scripps College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $36,294 annually, Scripps College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 93.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $25,406 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 45.8% ROI and $75,301 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $26,294+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Scripps College ranks #320 of 1962 institutions, with 1469 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 83.7% graduation rate sits 21.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 93.8% first-year retention is 17.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 45.8% return on investment is 4.1 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $75,301 run about 25% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $36,294 is roughly $16,215 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 93.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 80.8% employment rate within three years sits 12.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $36,294 is about $16,215 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 11.0% trails the national share by 23.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Scripps College, a private nonprofit university in Claremont, CA, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It appears at #320 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (A-), Support (A), Career Outcomes (C+), and Affordability (F).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
93.8% of learners come back after year one while 83.7% earn an award within eight years of entry. Return on investment currently measures 45.8% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $36,294 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $87,564.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $51,270 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 11.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $75,301 four years after graduation. That sits about 25% above the national median.
Roughly 80.8% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 45.8%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
38.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Scripps College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scripps College's acceptance rate?
Scripps College's acceptance rate is 38.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Scripps College cost?
At Scripps College, listed tuition and fees are $65,950 per year, and the average net price after aid is $36,294. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Scripps College's ranking?
Scripps College ranks #320 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Scripps College's graduation rate?
At Scripps College, the graduation rate is 83.7%, and first-year retention is 93.8%.
What are Scripps College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Scripps College report median earnings of $75,301 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Scripps College's student population?
Scripps College enrolls about 1,113 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Claremont, CA 91711
- Website www.scrippscollege.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$478.7M