About

About Pomona College

highly selective admissionsliberal arts collegeclaremont consortiumsmall class sizeslow student faculty ratio

Pomona College is a private liberal arts college in Claremont, CA, known for its highly selective admissions, liberal arts college, and claremont consortium. With an acceptance rate of 7%, POM is one of the most selective colleges in the United States, typically enrolling around 413 students each year. POM is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1500–1550, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Students who apply Early Decision are admitted at 13%, roughly double the regular decision rate of 6%, making Early Decision one of the more significant strategic levers available. POM meets 100% of demonstrated financial need and has replaced loans with grants.

Admissions

Pomona College acceptance rate and admitted student profile

one of the most selective colleges in the United States

7%
Overall Accept Rate
1525
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1500 – 1550 (test optional)

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ED advantage at Pomona College: ED acceptance rate is 13% vs 6% regular decision, more than double. If Pomona Collegeis your first choice and you've confirmed the financial fit, Early Decision is one of the highest-leverage decisions you can make.

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Pomona College

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Pomona rates essays at the highest level of importance, so treat your personal statement as the centerpiece of your application. Admissions readers at Pomona are looking for intellectual curiosity and a genuine voice, so write about ideas that genuinely excite you rather than trying to sound impressive.
Essay Strategy
In your Why Pomona supplemental essay, go beyond mentioning the Claremont Consortium and name specific faculty research, courses like the sponsored research program for undergraduates, or particular student communities that connect to your actual interests.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Pomona College actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Loan-free financial aid: Pomona College has replaced all loans with grants. Pomona College's sticker price of ~$78k/year bears almost no resemblance to what most families pay.
Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$78k/yr$4.8k
30k-48k~$78k/yr$7.0k
48k-75k~$78k/yr$17.1k
75k-110k~$78k/yr$15.7k
110k+~$78k/yr$37.8k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

93%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$61k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
6:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,891
Undergrad Enrollment
Pomona College Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch