Pitzer College
Pitzer College has an acceptance rate of 25.2%, annual tuition of $65,192, average net price of $34,191, and a national rank of #272 (Grade B+), with a 87.1% graduation rate, about 1,227 undergraduates, and median earnings of $69,786 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Pitzer College is a private nonprofit university in Claremont, CA. Students most often pursue Economics and Natural Resources Conservation and Research.
Academically, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and 93.8% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 44.2%, roughly 5.7 points below typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Pitzer College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Pitzer College graduates 87.1% 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 Pitzer 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 | $65,192 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $22,150 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,300 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $86,466 |
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 10.5% of Pitzer 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 $14,535 to $46,793 depending on family income. Use Pitzer College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $29,452/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $46,793/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $69,786
- 10-Year Median Earnings $69,512
- Average Years to Graduate 4.6 years
- Average Student Debt $16,750
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 83.8%
- Employment Rate 83.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Pitzer 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.
Pitzer College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Pitzer College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Pitzer College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Pitzer College graduates earn $69,786 median, the 44.2% 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 Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,227
- Full-Time Students 97.4%
- Part-Time Students 2.6%
- Retention Rate 93.8%
- Graduation Rate 87.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Pitzer College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Pitzer 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 25.2%, Pitzer 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: Pitzer College accepts 25.2% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Pitzer College undergraduates. Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Psychology, General, and Economics draw the most students.
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 10.8%
- Psychology, General 9.0%
- Economics 9.0%
- Communication and Media Studies 5.9%
- Political Science and Government 5.6%
- Sociology 5.6%
See more majors
- Mathematics 5.0%
- Fine and Studio Arts 4.6%
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. Economics $59,767
- 2. Natural Resources Conservation and Research $21,570
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Economics grads earn $59,767—177% more than Natural Resources Conservation and Research ($21,570). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Pitzer 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
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degree, 35 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 29 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 19 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 18 graduates)
- Sociology (Bachelor's Degree, 18 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 (58 programs)▼
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Economics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Mathematics
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Computer Science
- Human Biology
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Area Studies
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Biology, General
- Anthropology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Philosophy
- History
- Systems Science and Theory
- Physics
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- International/Global Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Public Health
- Music
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Science, Technology and Society
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Public Policy Analysis
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, Other
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dance
- Cognitive Science
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Chemistry
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Social Sciences, General
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Manufacturing Engineering
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Social Sciences, Other
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Education, Other
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,227
- Full-Time Students 97.4%
- Part-Time Students 2.6%
- Male Students 41.2%
- Female Students 58.8%
- Caucasian 47.3%
- Asian 12.9%
- Hispanic 12.1%
- Black 4.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 10.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Pitzer College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Pitzer College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Pitzer College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 Pitzer College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Pitzer College has a diverse student body, with 47.3% identifying as White. About 10.5% 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 Pitzer College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 Pitzer College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Pitzer College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 44.2% ROI. Ranked #272 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $34,191 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $69,786 median earnings. With 87.1% 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: Pitzer College's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #272 ranking, Pitzer College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $34,191 annually, Pitzer 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 $23,934 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 44.2% ROI and $69,786 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $24,191+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Pitzer College ranks #272 of 1962 institutions, with 1501 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
- 87.1% graduation rate sits 24.6 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 93.8% first-year retention is 17.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 44.2% return on investment is 5.7 points below the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $69,786 run about 16% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $34,191 is roughly $14,112 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.
- 83.8% employment rate within three years sits 15.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $34,191 is about $14,112 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 10.5% trails the national share by 23.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Pitzer College, a private nonprofit university in Claremont, CA, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It holds a #272 national ranking Completion earns 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 87.1% earn an award within eight years of entry. The reported ROI is 44.2%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $34,191 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $86,466.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $52,275 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,750 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 10.5% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $69,786 at the median. That sits about 16% above the national median.
Roughly 83.8% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 44.2%, 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
25.2% 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 Pitzer 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 Pitzer College's acceptance rate?
Pitzer College's acceptance rate is 25.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Pitzer College cost?
At Pitzer College, listed tuition and fees are $65,192 per year, and the average net price after aid is $34,191. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Pitzer College's ranking?
Pitzer College ranks #272 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Pitzer College's graduation rate?
At Pitzer College, the graduation rate is 87.1%, and first-year retention is 93.8%.
What are Pitzer College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Pitzer College report median earnings of $69,786 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Pitzer College's student population?
Pitzer College enrolls about 1,227 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Claremont, CA 91711-6101
- Website www.pitzer.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$170.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate8.5%