Harvey Mudd College
Harvey Mudd College has an acceptance rate of 12.7%, annual tuition of $68,613, average net price of $35,924, and a national rank of #22 (Grade A+), with a 91.9% graduation rate within 150% of normal time, about 921 undergraduates, and median earnings of $137,100 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Harvey Mudd College is a private nonprofit university in Claremont, CA. Students most often pursue Computer Science and Mathematics and Computer Science.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 8:1 student-faculty ratio, and 96.4% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 90.0%, roughly 40.1 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Harvey Mudd College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Harvey Mudd College graduates 91.9% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 93.3% and keeps 96.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Harvey Mudd 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 | $68,613 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $22,318 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,400 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $90,165 |
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 15.2% of Harvey Mudd 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 $27,979 to $50,665 depending on family income. Use Harvey Mudd College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $25,468/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $50,665/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $137,100
- 10-Year Median Earnings $138,687
- Average Years to Graduate 4.2 years
- Average Student Debt $25,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) Not reported
- Employment Rate 84.5%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Harvey Mudd 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.
Harvey Mudd College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Harvey Mudd College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Harvey Mudd College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Harvey Mudd College graduates earn $137,100 median four years after graduation, +127% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 730-770
- SAT Math 770-800
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 34-36
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 921
- Full-Time Students 99.8%
- Part-Time Students 0.2%
- Retention Rate 96.4%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 91.9%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 93.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 8:1
How to Get Into Harvey Mudd College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Harvey Mudd 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 12.7%, Harvey Mudd College is highly 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: Harvey Mudd College's 12.7% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Strong test scores, GPA, and a well-rounded application are essential. Early application can improve your chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1500 and 1570 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Harvey Mudd College undergraduates. Engineering, General, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Computer Science draw the most students.
- Engineering, General 31.2%
- Mathematics and Computer Science 23.9%
- Computer Science 21.6%
- Physics 6.4%
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational 4.6%
- Mathematics 3.2%
See more majors
- Biology, General 1.4%
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology 1.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Science $220,204
- 2. Mathematics and Computer Science $166,573
- 3. Engineering, General $123,894
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Science grads earn $220,204—78% more than Engineering, General ($123,894). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Harvey Mudd 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
- Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degree, 68 graduates)
- Mathematics and Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 52 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 47 graduates)
- Physics (Bachelor's Degree, 14 graduates)
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology (Bachelor's Degree, 10 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 (16 programs)▼
- Engineering, General
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Economics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Music
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 921
- Full-Time Students 99.8%
- Part-Time Students 0.2%
- Male Students 49.3%
- Female Students 50.7%
- Caucasian 24.4%
- Asian 20.2%
- Hispanic 22.0%
- Black 5.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 15.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Harvey Mudd College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Harvey Mudd College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Harvey Mudd College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Harvey Mudd College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Harvey Mudd College has a diverse student body, with 24.4% identifying as White. About 15.2% 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 Harvey Mudd College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Harvey Mudd College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Harvey Mudd College ranks among the country's most prestigious, delivering a 90.0% ROI though 393 institutions deliver higher returns at lower costs.
The institution achieves 80.8% four-year completion and a 91.9% graduation rate within 150% of normal time and maintains 96.4% first-year retention. However, the $35,924 annual net price positions this institution at the higher end of college costs. Post-graduation median earnings of $137,100 reflect strong career outcomes typical of selective institutions.
Value Analysis: Is Harvey Mudd College Worth It?
Ranking #22 of 1947, Harvey Mudd College delivers a A+ overall grade with 98.9/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total).
For High-Achieving Students: Applicants pursuing careers where institutional prestige and professional networks drive opportunities—such as finance, consulting, law, and academia—benefit most from Harvey Mudd College's brand value and alumni connections. The school's reputation provides career acceleration that may justify the premium cost for specific fields.
Financial Aid Recipients: Students receiving substantial need-based aid (bringing actual costs below $17,962 annually) access elite education at a competitive price point. Pell-eligible students often pay less here than at many public universities.
Alternative Considerations: Students in fields where skills and credentials matter more than brand name—particularly STEM, healthcare, and technical fields—should compare outcomes against public research universities offering similar education at 40-60% lower cost. Our data shows 393 institutions deliver superior ROI metrics.
Bottom Line: Harvey Mudd College excels in reputation and student experience, reflected in its 96.4% retention rate. However, value-conscious students should weigh the $35,924 annual investment against 393 alternatives offering stronger financial returns. The "best" choice depends on your field, financial situation, and career goals—not rankings alone.
Key Takeaways
- 91.9% graduation rate sits 29.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 96.4% first-year retention is 19.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 90.0% return on investment is 40.1 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $137,100 run about 127% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $35,924 is roughly $15,845 higher than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 8:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 96.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 84.5% employment rate within three years sits 16.3 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $35,924 is about $15,845 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 15.2% trails the national share by 19.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Harvey Mudd College—a private nonprofit university in Claremont, CA—at A+ overall. It stands at #22 among 1962 schools Category results include Completion (A+), Support (A), Career Outcomes (A+), and Affordability (C-).
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.
96.4% of learners come back after year one while 91.9% graduate within 150% of normal time (93.3% within eight years). EDsmart calculates the ROI at 90.0%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
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 $35,924 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $90,165.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $54,241 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 15.2% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $137,100 four years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 127% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 84.5%.
The ROI comes in near 90.0%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
12.7% 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 Harvey Mudd 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 Harvey Mudd College's acceptance rate?
Harvey Mudd College's acceptance rate is 12.7%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Harvey Mudd College cost?
At Harvey Mudd College, listed tuition and fees are $68,613 per year, and the average net price after aid is $35,924. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Harvey Mudd College's ranking?
Harvey Mudd College ranks #22 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Harvey Mudd College's graduation rate?
At Harvey Mudd College, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 91.9% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), College Scorecard 8-year award rate is 93.3%, and first-year retention is 96.4%.
What are Harvey Mudd College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Harvey Mudd College report median earnings of $137,100 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Harvey Mudd College's student population?
Harvey Mudd College enrolls about 921 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Claremont, CA 91711
- Website www.hmc.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$413.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate5.6%