Claremont McKenna vs Middlebury: Which College is Right for You?

Are you trying to decide between Claremont McKenna and Middlebury for your undergraduate studies? With so many options available, choosing the right college can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Claremont McKenna vs Middlebury to help you determine which one is the best fit for you.

Middlebury

Let’s start by taking a closer look at Middlebury. Located in Middlebury, Vermont, Middlebury College is a small, liberal arts institution that boasts a picturesque campus and a strong sense of community.

Founded in 1800, Middlebury College has a rich history and a reputation for academic excellence. The college offers over 50 majors and has a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and support from their professors.

In addition to its academic offerings, Middlebury College is known for its commitment to sustainability. The college has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2028 and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including a biomass plant that provides heating and hot water to campus buildings.

Academic Programs: Claremont McKenna vs. Middlebury

When it comes to academic programs, both Claremont McKenna and Middlebury offer a strong liberal arts education. However, there are some slight differences between the two institutions.

At Middlebury, the most popular majors include economics, political science, and environmental studies. The college also offers a unique Language Schools program, which offers immersive language learning in over a dozen different languages.

Meanwhile, Claremont McKenna is known for its strong programs in economics, government, and international relations. The school also offers a number of interdisciplinary programs, including the popular Philosophy, Politics, and Economics major.

Another notable aspect of Middlebury’s academic programs is its focus on sustainability and environmentalism. The college has a strong commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices, which is reflected in its curriculum and campus initiatives.

On the other hand, Claremont McKenna has a strong emphasis on leadership development and entrepreneurship. The school offers a number of programs and resources to help students develop their leadership skills and pursue entrepreneurial ventures, including the Kravis Leadership Institute and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Admission Requirements: Claremont McKenna vs. Middlebury

When it comes to admission requirements, both Claremont McKenna and Middlebury are known for being highly selective. Middlebury has an acceptance rate of 13%, while Claremont McKenna’s acceptance rate is 11%.

Both institutions value a strong academic record, extracurricular involvement, and a demonstrated interest in the school. Middlebury also requires applicants to submit either the SAT or ACT, while Claremont McKenna is test-optional.

However, there are some differences in the admission requirements between the two schools. Middlebury places a strong emphasis on essays and letters of recommendation, while Claremont McKenna focuses more on the applicant’s leadership potential and community involvement. Additionally, Middlebury requires applicants to complete an interview with an alumni representative, while Claremont McKenna does not have this requirement.

Student Life and Activities: Claremont McKenna vs. Middlebury

At both Claremont McKenna and Middlebury, students will find a variety of opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom.

Middlebury is known for its strong commitment to environmental sustainability, with a number of student organizations dedicated to environmental advocacy and stewardship. The college also offers a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous on-campus performances and exhibitions throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Claremont McKenna is located in the heart of Southern California, providing students with access to a wide range of activities and opportunities beyond campus. The school offers a number of active student organizations, as well as a strong Greek life presence.

Additionally, Middlebury has a strong focus on community service and social justice, with many students participating in volunteer work and activism both on and off campus. The college also offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and snowboarding in the nearby Green Mountains.

On the other hand, Claremont McKenna has a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and business, with many students participating in internships and networking events in the surrounding area. The school also offers a variety of sports teams and fitness classes, as well as access to nearby beaches and outdoor recreation areas.

Housing Options: Claremont McKenna vs. Middlebury

Both Claremont McKenna and Middlebury offer a variety of housing options for their students.

At Middlebury, all students are required to live on campus for their first two years. After that, students can choose to live on or off campus. The college offers a variety of housing options, from traditional dormitories to on-campus apartments and themed living communities.

Meanwhile, Claremont McKenna guarantees on-campus housing for all four years. The school offers a variety of housing options, ranging from traditional dormitories to suites and apartments.

It’s worth noting that both schools prioritize creating a sense of community within their housing options. Middlebury’s themed living communities, for example, allow students with similar interests to live together and participate in related activities. Claremont McKenna’s suite-style housing also fosters a sense of community, as students share common spaces and often form close bonds with their suitemates.

Another factor to consider is the location of the housing options. Middlebury’s campus is located in a rural area, which can be a draw for students who enjoy a quieter, more secluded living environment. Claremont McKenna, on the other hand, is located in a suburban area with easy access to nearby cities like Los Angeles.

Cost of Attendance: Claremont McKenna vs. Middlebury

As with most private institutions, both Claremont McKenna and Middlebury have a high sticker price. However, both schools offer generous financial aid packages to help offset the cost.

According to the US News, the average cost of attendance at Middlebury for the academic year is $80,260. Meanwhile, the average cost of attendance at Claremont McKenna is $79,427.

It’s important to note that the cost of attendance can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as family income and assets. Both schools have net price calculators available on their websites to help students estimate their actual cost of attendance after financial aid.

Financial Aid Opportunities: Claremont McKenna vs. Middlebury

Both Middlebury and Claremont McKenna are committed to making their education accessible and affordable for all students, regardless of financial need.

At Middlebury, around 45% of students receive financial aid. The college offers need-based aid, as well as merit-based scholarships and grants. The average need-based financial aid award is around $50,000 per year.

Meanwhile, Claremont McKenna offers need-based aid, as well as merit-based scholarships and grants. Around 50% of students receive some form of financial aid, with the average need-based award being around $56,000 per year.

It’s important to note that both Middlebury and Claremont McKenna have resources available to help students navigate the financial aid process. Middlebury has a dedicated financial aid office that provides personalized assistance to students and families. Claremont McKenna also has a financial aid office that offers guidance and support throughout the financial aid application process.

Alumni Network and Career Opportunities: Claremont McKenna vs. Middlebury

Both Claremont McKenna and Middlebury have strong alumni networks and a track record of success when it comes to post-graduate outcomes.

At Middlebury, around 84% of graduates go on to pursue graduate school or full-time employment within six months of graduation. The college boasts a strong alumni network, with notable alumni including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and New York Times columnist David Brooks.

Meanwhile, Claremont McKenna has a strong track record of success when it comes to post-graduate outcomes. Around 80% of graduates go on to pursue graduate school or full-time employment within six months of graduation. The school also boasts a strong alumni network, with notable alumni including former NBA commissioner David Stern and actor Ed Harris.

One unique aspect of Middlebury’s alumni network is its strong presence in the environmental and sustainability fields. Many Middlebury graduates have gone on to work for organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund and the Nature Conservancy. The college also offers a number of sustainability-focused programs and initiatives, including a student-run organic farm and a carbon neutrality pledge.

On the other hand, Claremont McKenna has a strong focus on entrepreneurship and business. The school offers a number of resources for students interested in starting their own businesses, including a Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and a student-run investment fund. Many Claremont McKenna alumni have gone on to successful careers in finance and business, including former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein.

Athletics and Sports Programs: Claremont McKenna vs. Middlebury

Both Claremont McKenna and Middlebury offer a variety of NCAA Division III athletic programs. At Middlebury, the most popular sports include cross country, squash, and skiing. Meanwhile, Claremont McKenna is known for its strong baseball and tennis programs.

However, Middlebury also has a highly competitive ultimate frisbee team, which has won multiple national championships in recent years. Claremont McKenna, on the other hand, has a thriving equestrian program, with state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated team of coaches and riders. Both schools also offer a range of intramural sports and fitness classes, providing opportunities for students of all levels and interests to stay active and engaged.

Faculty and Student Ratio: Claremont McKenna vs. Middlebury

Both Middlebury and Claremont McKenna boast a low faculty-to-student ratio, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship.

At Middlebury, the student-faculty ratio is around 9:1, with around 70% of classes having fewer than 20 students. Meanwhile, Claremont McKenna has a student-faculty ratio of around 8:1, with a similar percentage of small classes.

However, Middlebury has a larger student body than Claremont McKenna, with around 2,800 undergraduate students compared to Claremont McKenna’s approximately 1,400. This means that while Middlebury’s overall student-faculty ratio is lower, individual students may have less access to their professors than at Claremont McKenna.

Additionally, both schools have a strong emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities. Middlebury offers a variety of research grants and fellowships for students to pursue independent projects, while Claremont McKenna has a dedicated research institute that provides funding and support for student research in a variety of fields.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Claremont McKenna vs. Middlebury

Both Middlebury and Claremont McKenna have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a number of initiatives and programs in place to promote a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.

Middlebury has a number of student-led affinity groups dedicated to celebrating and supporting underrepresented communities on campus. The college also offers a range of programming and resources to support students of diverse backgrounds.

Similarly, Claremont McKenna has a number of resources and programs in place to support underrepresented students on campus. The school also recently launched a new initiative aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the curriculum.

One of the key differences between the diversity and inclusion initiatives at Middlebury and Claremont McKenna is the approach to recruitment and retention of underrepresented students. Middlebury has implemented a need-blind admissions policy, which means that a student’s ability to pay for college is not taken into consideration during the admissions process. This policy helps to ensure that students from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to a Middlebury education. Additionally, Middlebury has a number of scholarship programs in place to support students from underrepresented communities.

Faculty Research Opportunities: Claremont McKenna vs. Middlebury

Both Middlebury and Claremont McKenna offer opportunities for students to engage in faculty-led research projects.

At Middlebury, students can participate in the college’s Undergraduate Research Program, which offers funding and support for research projects across all disciplines. The program also hosts an annual Spring Student Symposium, where students can present their research to the community.

Meanwhile, Claremont McKenna offers a number of research opportunities through its Keck Science Program. The program allows students to engage in research projects alongside faculty members in the fields of biology, chemistry, and physics.

In addition to the Keck Science Program, Claremont McKenna also offers research opportunities through its Robert Day School of Economics and Finance. Students can work with faculty members on research projects related to finance, economics, and public policy.

At Middlebury, students can also participate in the college’s Environmental Studies Program, which offers research opportunities in areas such as climate change, conservation, and sustainability. The program has partnerships with local organizations and government agencies, providing students with opportunities to work on real-world environmental issues.

Study Abroad Programs: Claremont McKenna vs. Middlebury

Both Middlebury and Claremont McKenna offer a range of study-abroad opportunities, allowing students to gain valuable international experience and expand their horizons.

At Middlebury, around 70% of students participate in study abroad programs during their time at the college. Middlebury offers study abroad programs in over 45 countries, ranging from short-term programs to full-year immersion experiences.

Meanwhile, Claremont McKenna offers a number of study abroad programs through its Office of Off-Campus Study and Exchanges. The school offers programs in countries such as Spain, France, and Japan.

One unique aspect of Middlebury’s study abroad programs is their Language Schools, which offer intensive language immersion programs in languages such as Arabic, Chinese, and Russian. These programs are designed to help students achieve fluency in a foreign language and gain a deeper understanding of the culture and society of the countries where the language is spoken.

On the other hand, Claremont McKenna offers a program called “Washington Program,” which allows students to spend a semester in Washington D.C., and gain hands-on experience in politics, public policy, and international relations. This program is a great opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in government or public service.

Campus Safety and Security Measures: Claremont McKenna vs. Middlebury

Both Middlebury and Claremont McKenna take campus safety and security seriously, with a range of measures in place to ensure the well-being of their students.

At Middlebury, the college offers a comprehensive campus safety and security program, including 24-hour security patrols, emergency blue light phones, and a safety escort service. The college also has a strong focus on community outreach and education when it comes to safety and security.

Similarly, Claremont McKenna has a range of security measures in place, including a 24-hour on-campus security team and a campus-wide emergency notification system. The school also offers safety education programs and resources for students.

However, there are some differences in the specific safety and security measures implemented by Middlebury and Claremont McKenna. For example, Middlebury has a strict policy on alcohol and drug use, with a zero-tolerance approach. The college also has a comprehensive sexual assault prevention program, which includes mandatory education for all students and staff.

On the other hand, Claremont McKenna has a focus on mental health and wellness, with resources such as counseling services and stress management programs available to students. The school also has a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, with programs and initiatives aimed at creating a safe and welcoming campus environment for all students.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a college. Both Claremont McKenna and Middlebury offer a strong liberal arts education and a variety of opportunities for students to explore their interests and passions. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual priorities and goals.

Consider factors such as academic programs, campus culture, and post-graduate outcomes when making your decision. And remember, no matter which school you choose, the most important factor in your success will be your own dedication and hard work.

It is also important to consider the location of the college. Claremont McKenna is located in Southern California, which offers a warm climate and access to many outdoor activities. Middlebury, on the other hand, is located in Vermont, which offers a beautiful, rural setting and access to winter sports. Think about which environment would be most conducive to your personal and academic growth.

Lastly, don’t forget to visit the campuses and talk to current students and faculty members. This will give you a better sense of the community and whether it is a good fit for you. Trust your instincts and make the decision that feels right for you.