Harvey Mudd Acceptance Rate: Class of 2029 Admissions Statistics

Although Harvey Mudd College has already welcomed its Class of 2029, the official acceptance rate has not yet been announced. However, as one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the U.S., it’s likely that the acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 will be similar to—or even lower than—the 12.7% reported for the Class of 2028.

In this blog, we break down Harvey Mudd’s acceptance rates, including the yield rate, Early and Regular Decision admit rates, transfer acceptance rate, and waitlist acceptance rate. Plus, we explore how Harvey Mudd’s prestige and selectivity affect your chances of getting in.

• What Is Harvey Mudd’s Acceptance Rate?
• Harvey Mudd Acceptance Rate Trends
• Harvey Mudd Regular Decision Acceptance Rate
• Harvey Mudd Early Decision Acceptance Rate
• How to Get Accepted into Harvey Mudd
• Harvey Mudd Transfer Acceptance Rate
• Harvey Mudd Waitlist Acceptance Rate
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is Harvey Mudd’s Acceptance Rate?

Harvey Mudd’s acceptance rates for the last five years are among the lowest in the top liberal arts colleges in the country. For the Class of 2028, the school accepted 12.7% of the total 5,094 applicants. Only 645 students were given the opportunity to become Mudders.

With that said, how you apply can change your odds:

As you can see, Early Decision applicants had a higher chance of acceptance, with 16.2% of 656 applicants getting in (106 students). On the other hand, Regular Decision was more competitive, with an acceptance rate of 12.1%. Out of 4,438 applicants, only 539 were accepted.

The numbers show that applying Early Decision gives you a slight edge. But even with that boost, Harvey Mudd’s competitive admissions process means your application needs to be strong in every way.

Harvey Mudd yield rate

For the Class of 2028, Harvey Mudd had a 35.8% yield rate—which means that out of everyone they accepted, only about a third chose to attend. While that might not seem high, it’s actually pretty solid for a prestigious liberal arts school with a strong STEM focus like Harvey Mudd.

A school’s yield rate shows how many admitted students actually decide to enroll. Think of it as a way to measure how desirable a college is. Here are Harvey Mudd’s yield rates in recent years:

Looking at previous years, the yield rate has fluctuated, reaching a high of 47.6% for the Class of 2025 and dipping to 34.3% for the Class of 2024. While Harvey Mudd may not have the highest yield rate among top-tier schools, its numbers reflect a strong level of commitment from students who value its unique STEM-focused liberal arts education.

For context, the national average yield rate for four-year nonprofit colleges in fall 2022 was 30%. Private colleges did slightly better at 33%, while public colleges averaged 25%.

Harvey Mudd Acceptance Rate Trends

Harvey Mudd’s acceptance rates in the last couple of years have not been pretty steady. It has seen some highs and lows throughout the past admission cycles. Here, we’ve gathered data from Harvey Mudd’s Common Data Set:

Over the last five years, getting into Harvey Mudd has been no easy feat. For the Class of 2028, only 12.7% of applicants were accepted, which was a slight drop from 13.1% the year before. The acceptance rate has hovered around the same range, with 13.4% for the Class of 2026, but it dipped as low as 10% for the Class of 2025.

When you compare Harvey Mudd to other top liberal arts colleges, it holds its own in terms of competitiveness. Schools like Amherst (9%), Swarthmore (8%), and Pomona (7%) are even more selective, but Harvey Mudd is still among the toughest liberal arts schools to get into. With so many highly qualified students applying, admissions at these elite colleges continue to be fiercely competitive.

Harvey Mudd acceptance rate vs Ivy League schools

Harvey Mudd isn’t an Ivy League school, but it often gets mentioned alongside the Ivies when people talk about top-tier colleges. So, how does Harvey Mudd’s acceptance rate compare to the Ivy League schools?

The Ivy League schools remain to be among the most difficult schools to get into in the country. Harvey Mudd has also gotten more competitive over the years, with the Class of 2028 acceptance rate dropping to 12.7%. That’s still higher than schools like Harvard (3.6%), Yale (3.7%), and Columbia (3.85%), but it doesn’t mean getting in is a walk in the park.

Compared to Brown (5.2%), Dartmouth (5.3%), and Cornell (8.4%)—which is the least selective Ivy—Harvey Mudd’s acceptance rate (12.7%) looks a bit more forgiving. But don’t let that fool you. If your grades, test scores, and extracurriculars are just okay, Wake Forest can still be a reach. It might not be Ivy-level selective, but you’ll still need a strong application to stand out.

Harvey Mudd Regular Decision Acceptance Rate

Getting into Harvey Mudd through Regular Decision was no easy feat for the Class of 2028. The acceptance rate dropped to 12.1%, the second lowest in the past five years:

For the Class of 2028, only 12.1% of applicants got in, a small dip from 12.4% the year before and 12.6% for the Class of 2026. The Class of 2025 had it the toughest, with an acceptance rate of just 8.7%, while the Class of 2024 had a much higher 17.3% acceptance rate.

Getting into Harvey Mudd through Regular Decision is starting to feel like a high-stakes game of musical chairs. More people are jumping in, but the number of seats isn’t getting any bigger. With competition heating up, having great grades alone won’t cut it. You need to bring something extra to the table—passion, personality, and a clear sense of why you belong at Harvey Mudd.

Harvey Mudd Regular Decision deadline and notification date

Thinking about applying to Harvey Mudd through Regular Decision? The application deadline is January 5th. You’ll hear back on your decision around April 1st, which gives you a few months to prepare. 

If you’re applying for financial aid, don’t forget to submit your CSS Profile and FAFSA by February 1st to be considered for the best aid package. While interviews aren’t required, they can be a great way to add a personal touch to your application. If you’re interested, try to schedule yours by mid-December.

Harvey Mudd Early Decision Acceptance Rate

Applying to Harvey Mudd through Early Decision gives you a better shot at getting in, with a latest acceptance rate of 16.2%. Here’s how it has evolved in recent years:

For the Class of 2028, Harvey Mudd’s Early Decision acceptance rate dropped to 16.2%, down from 17.8% the year before and much lower than the 22.7% for the Class of 2024. At the same time, more students are applying ED—656 students applied this year, compared to just 410 five years ago. That means more students are eager to lock in their spot early, but fewer are actually getting in.

So, does Early Decision still give you an edge? Yes, but only if your application is strong. With acceptance rates dropping, Harvey Mudd isn’t just looking for good grades; they want students who truly fit the school’s culture. If you’re applying ED, make sure you bring something unique to the table.

Harvey Early Decision policy

Harvey Mudd’s Early Decision (ED) program is for students who know, without a doubt, that this is their dream school. It’s binding, meaning if you get in, you’re committing 100%—no backing out, no applying elsewhere.

ED can give you a bit of an edge since acceptance rates tend to be higher, but you have to be absolutely sure before hitting submit. If you need financial aid, don’t forget to send in your CSS Profile and FAFSA so you can get your aid package along with your decision.

Three things can happen if you apply through Early Decision at Harvey Mudd:

• Accepted. You’re in! But since ED is binding, you have to commit and withdraw all other applications.
• Deferred. Not a no, but not a yes either. Your app moves to Regular Decision, and you’ll hear back in April.
• Denied. Sadly, that’s it for this year. You won’t be reconsidered in Regular Decision, but you can always try again as a transfer.

Harvey Mudd Early Decision deadline and notification date

Harvey Mudd College offers two Early Decision (ED) options for students who consider it their top choice.

• ED I: Application deadline is November 15, with decisions typically released by December 15.
• ED II: Application deadline is January 5, with decisions usually announced by mid-February.

For financial aid consideration, submit the CSS Profile and FAFSA by the respective ED application deadlines.

How to Get Accepted into Harvey Mudd

Harvey Mudd College looks for students who love STEM and aren’t afraid of a challenge. A strong academic record is truly important. Most admitted students have taken calculus, chemistry, and physics in high school. But Harvey Mudd also values students who bring something extra to the table, like leadership, meaningful extracurriculars, and a drive to make a difference in the world.

Here’s how you can stand out and improve your chances of getting into Harvey Mudd:

Target GPA

Harvey Mudd doesn’t officially list a minimum GPA, but let’s be honest—strong academics are a must. The average GPA for admitted students is around 4.17, which means most successful applicants are straight-A students excelling in tough courses.

If your GPA isn’t quite there, don’t stress. You can make up for it with stellar test scores, compelling essays, or impressive extracurriculars. Taking challenging classes like AP, IB, or honors can also show that you’re ready for Harvey Mudd’s rigorous coursework. At the end of the day, it’s all about proving you can handle the intensity and thrive in a fast-paced STEM environment.

Target test scores

Harvey Mudd is test-optional, but a strong SAT or ACT score can still give your application an edge. If you plan to submit yours, shoot for top scores:

Scoring in the 75th percentile (1560 for SAT,  36 for ACT) puts you in a strong position and shows you’re ready to tackle Harvey Mudd’s rigorous coursework.

If you choose not to submit test scores, that’s okay. Just make sure the rest of your application stands out. Showcase your achievements, write compelling essays, and secure great recommendation letters to make a strong case for yourself.

Extracurriculars

Harvey Mudd is looking for students who crush their math and science classes. But they also want curious minds, bold thinkers, and future problem-solvers. They care about leadership, creativity, and a passion for making an impact.

Maybe you’ve submitted a research project at Toshiba ExploraVision Competition, built something innovative, or used your STEM skills by qualifying in the American Math Competitions finals. Whatever it is, they want to see how you think beyond the classroom and apply what you’ve learned in meaningful ways.

If Harvey Mudd is your dream school, your application should be more than just a list of grades and scores. Show them who you are—what excites you, what challenges you’ve taken on, and how you see yourself making a difference in the world. Make it personal, make it real, and most importantly, make it you.

Essay

Your Harvey Mudd essays are your chance to stand out and show the school who you really are. You’ll need a personal statement and at least one supplemental essay.

Harvey Mudd’s supplemental essay is a way of seeing how you connect STEM with the real world. The first prompt asks you to dig deep and reflect on how your background, values, and experiences shape the kind of problems you want to solve, the people you want to collaborate with, and the impact you hope to make.

The second, shorter prompt is all about your interest in Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSA)—because at Harvey Mudd, STEM doesn’t exist in a bubble. They want to know what excites you beyond equations and experiments and how your curiosity extends to other areas.

Want to nail your Harvey Mudd supplemental essays? Check out our ultimate guide for tips, strategies, and examples to make your application shine!

Recommendation letters

You’ll need two teacher recommendations: one from a math or science teacher and another from a humanities, social sciences, or arts teacher.

Pick teachers who know you well and can talk about both your academic strengths and personal character. The more detailed and personal these letters are, the better they’ll help you stand out to the admissions team.

Want to know how to get into Harvey Mudd? Here is a simple guide that breaks down the admissions process and gives you tips to make your application shine.

Harvey Mudd Transfer Acceptance Rate

Harvey Mudd doesn’t see a huge number of transfer applications each year, and getting in as a transfer student is just as tough as for first-years. For the Class of 2028, only 93 students applied to transfer, and just 7 were admitted, putting the transfer acceptance rate at 7.5%.

Here are the recent transfer rates:

Looking at previous years, the numbers have remained low and unpredictable—5.1% for the Class of 2027, 8.8% for 2026, 5.6% for 2025, and 9.2% for 2024. With acceptance rates consistently hovering below 10%, transferring to Harvey Mudd is just as challenging—if not harder—than getting in as a first-year student.

Important dates and transfer requirements

Harvey Mudd has a tight-knit, unique community, and transferring here comes with some important requirements. Before applying, ask yourself:

• Have you taken a good number of courses that align with Harvey Mudd’s Common Core Curriculum?
• Are you ready to commit to at least two years as a full-time student? (This is a must!)

If both apply to you, Harvey Mudd could be a great fit. Here’s what you need to transfer:

• Common Application
• $70 application fee or waiver 
• Essays & short answer
  • Essay 1 (300 words max): Explain your academic journey and why Harvey Mudd fits your goals.
  • Essay 2 (500 words max): Discuss how your background shapes the problems you want to solve.
  • Short Answer (100 words max): Describe your dream Humanities, Social Sciences, or Arts (HSA) class.

• Mid-term report 
• College/transfer report. Completed by an advisor, dean, or registrar.
• Two recommendations. One from a math or science professor, one from a humanities or social sciences professor.
• Official college transcripts. From all colleges attended.
• Final high school transcript. Still required for transfer students.

Harvey Mudd Waitlist Acceptance Rate

Harvey Mudd does place applicants on a waitlist, but getting off it isn’t a sure thing. The acceptance rates aren’t exactly high, but they’re not zero—at least most of the time:

Getting off Harvey Mudd’s waitlist is like playing the lottery. Some years, you have a shot, and others, you don’t. Over the last five years, waitlist acceptance rates have bounced around, proving that nothing is guaranteed. For the Class of 2028, the waitlist acceptance rate at Harvey Mudd was 8% while 4 years prior, it was at 0% despite putting 648 applicants on their waitlist.

The numbers show that being waitlisted isn’t a dead end, but it’s far from a sure thing. The lesson here is that If you’re waitlisted, stay hopeful but have a solid backup plan.

What to do If you’re waitlisted at Harvey Mudd

While there’s still hope, the waitlist doesn’t guarantee admission. It’s important to stay realistic and commit to another school while keeping an eye on Harvey Mudd.

Here’s how to stay in the game:

• Confirm your spot. Follow Harvey Mudd’s instructions to officially accept your place on the waitlist. If you don’t, you’re out.
• Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Send a short, thoughtful note to admissions. Let them know Harvey Mudd is still your top choice and share any new achievements since you applied.
• Keep your grades strong. Your academic performance still matters, so stay focused and finish strong in your current coursework.
• Stay involved. Keep up with your extracurriculars and leadership roles—Harvey Mudd values consistency and commitment.
• Stay grounded. The waitlist process is unpredictable. Hope for the best, but also get excited about the school where you’ve been accepted.

The best way to avoid the uncertainty of the waitlist? Submit a rock-solid application in the first round. But if you do find yourself in this position, these steps can help you stand out as a dedicated, qualified candidate.

Even so, keep in mind that Harvey Mudd’s waitlist acceptance rate is low. This is going to be a long shot. Manage your expectations, but don’t stop believing in your potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Harvey Mudd’s latest overall acceptance rate?

Harvey Mudd’s overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 12.7%. Out of 5,094 applications, only 645 students were admitted.

2. What is Harvey Mudd’s Early Decision acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, Harvey Mudd’s Early Decision acceptance rate was 16.2%. Out of 656 students who applied ED, 106 were accepted.

3. What is Harvey Mudd’s Regular Decision acceptance rate?

Harvey Mudd’s Regular Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 12.1%. Out of 4,438 RD applications, only 539 students were accepted.

4. What is Harvey Mudd’s transfer acceptance rate?

Transferring to Harvey Mudd is highly competitive. For the Class of 2028, the transfer acceptance rate was 7.5%. Out of 93 transfer applicants, only 7 students were admitted.

5. What is Harvey Mudd’s waitlist acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, 8.0% of waitlisted students were admitted (53 out of 663 applicants). The numbers fluctuate yearly, with some years seeing zero waitlist admits, depending on how many students accept their initial offers.

Takeaways

Harvey Mudd’s acceptance rate proves just how competitive it is to get into this top-tier STEM school. If you’re aiming for a spot, here are five key things to keep in mind:

• Harvey Mudd’s overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 is 12.7%, making it one of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country.
• Its acceptance rate is on par with other elite STEM-focused schools and highly competitive liberal arts colleges.
• Early Decision applicants had a better shot, with a 16.2% acceptance rate, compared to just 12.1% for Regular Decision.
• A high GPA (around 3.94) and top SAT/ACT scores (SAT 1490-1560, ACT 34-36) can help, but strong essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars are just as important.
• With such a selective process, crafting a standout application is important. Partner with an experienced college admissions coach to help you increase your chances.