Scripps College
Scripps College has an acceptance rate of 38.3%, an average net price of $29,998, and an overall rank of #146 (Grade A-). About 84.5% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $82,553 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 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 61.4%, roughly 11.5 points higher than 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 84.5% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 86.2% and keeps 93.8% 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 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
Est. annual aid gap: $60,888 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $68,532 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $23,014 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $90,886 |
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 15.0% 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 $17,040 to $47,940 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 $27,105/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $47,940/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $82,553
- 10-Year Median Earnings $84,025
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $13,500
- Debt-to-Earnings ~16.4%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 92.4%
- Employment Rate 94.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Scripps College graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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: Scripps College graduates earn $82,553 median five years after graduation, 34% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
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%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 84.5%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 86.2%
- 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, Biology, General, and Economics draw the most students.
- Research and Experimental Psychology 12.7%
- Biology, General 11.0%
- Economics 8.0%
- Political Science and Government 7.0%
- Communication and Media Studies 6.0%
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research 5.0%
See more majors
- English Language and Literature, General 4.7%
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology 3.7%
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Research and Experimental Psychology (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 33 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 24 graduates)
- Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degree, 21 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 18 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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 (45 programs)▼
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Biology, General
- Economics
- Political Science and Government
- Communication and Media Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Human Biology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- History
- Area Studies
- Philosophy
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Engineering, General
- Cognitive Science
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Sociology
- Music
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Dance
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Science, Technology and Society
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Accounting and Related Services
- Systems Science and Theory
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Policy Analysis
- Non-Professional Legal Studies
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- 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 15.0%
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 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 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 15.0% 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 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 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 61.4% ROI. Ranked #146 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $29,998 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $82,553 median earnings. With 84.5% graduating within 150% of normal time 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 an A- grade and #146 ranking, Scripps College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $29,998 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 $20,999 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 61.4% ROI and $82,553 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $19,998+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Scripps College ranks #146 of 1955 institutions, with 1037 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
- 84.5% graduation rate sits 22.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 93.8% first-year retention is 17.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 61.4% return on investment is 11.5 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $82,553 run about 34% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $29,998 is roughly $10,117 higher than the national median of $19,881.
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.
- 94.7% employment rate within three years sits 26.5 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $29,998 is about $10,117 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 15.0% 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 an A- grade in our latest review. It appears at #146 in EDsmart's rankings 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 (2027 rankings 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 84.5% graduate within 150% of normal time (86.2% within eight years). Return on investment currently measures 61.4% 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 $29,998 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $90,886.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $60,888 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 15.0% 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 $82,553 five years after graduation. That sits about 34% above the national median.
Roughly 94.7% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 61.4%, 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Scripps College: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/scripps-college/
MLA (9th): “Scripps College: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/scripps-college/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Scripps College: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/scripps-college/.
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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 admissions data.
How much does Scripps College cost?
At Scripps College, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $29,998 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $90,886 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $68,532. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Scripps College's ranking?
Scripps College ranks #146 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Scripps College's graduation rate?
At Scripps College, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 84.5% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 86.2%, and first-year retention is 93.8%.
What are Scripps College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Scripps College report median earnings of $82,553 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Scripps College's student population?
Scripps College enrolls about 1,113 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 1030 North Columbia Avenue, 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