Claremont McKenna College

Claremont McKenna College is a highly selective private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California, and is one of the seven independent institutions that form The Claremont Colleges consortium. It is a coeducational institution dedicated to educating its students for thoughtful and responsible leadership in business, government, and the professions. While firmly rooted in the liberal arts tradition, the university places a distinct emphasis on economics, government, and international relations. It fosters a strong community life, operating with a distinctive residential model and leveraging the resources of the larger consortium to provide a comprehensive and uniquely collaborative undergraduate experience.

The university was founded in 1946 by a group of businessmen and educators, including Donald McKenna, as Claremont Men's College. It was conceived immediately after World War II to provide leadership education for returning veterans. Its explicit focus was on preparing men for careers in management and public affairs, blending a classic liberal arts education with a practical focus on economics and politics. The college officially changed its name to Claremont McKenna College in 1981 to reflect its transition to a fully coeducational institution, a change that significantly broadened its applicant pool and academic scope while maintaining its core focus on leadership and public service. This institutional history explains its enduring emphasis on practical leadership and responsible citizenship.

This university stands as a premier liberal arts institution, uniquely combining a rigorous focus on economics and government with the vast collaborative resources of The Claremont Colleges. By maintaining its highly selective admissions and providing exclusive undergraduate research and leadership centers, the university successfully prepares a select group of students for high-impact careers in public service, business, and law. Its powerful commitment to graduating thoughtful, responsible leaders solidifies its reputation as a distinctive and highly influential college in American higher education.