What You Should Know About Pomona College

Pomona College combines the intellectual depth of a premier liberal arts education with the resources of a larger academic organization. As a founding member of the Claremont Colleges in California, Pomona offers students the rigor of individualized instruction, a strong culture of inquiry, and access to interdisciplinary opportunities rarely found at institutions of its size.

Student Body

Students come from all 50 U.S. states and about 65 countries, representing a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds and school types—including public, private, charter, parochial, and home-school environments. What unites them is a collaborative spirit and a commitment to personal and intellectual growth.

Class of 2028 Overview

• Total Applications: 12,249
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Standardized Testing: Optional, but submitted by many

• SAT EBRW (median): 760
• SAT Math (median): 780
• ACT Composite (median): 34

Academic Interests (upon applying)

• Natural Sciences (27%) – Students drawn to biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science find strong mentorship and research opportunities.
• Interdisciplinary (24%) – Many incoming students blend fields like cognitive science, public policy, or environmental studies to match their unique interests.
• Humanities & Arts (23%) – With close ties to the other Claremont Colleges, Pomona students have access to a wide array of resources in literature, philosophy, languages, and the arts.
• Social Sciences (21%) – Economics, sociology, and politics are popular among students with interests in policy, law, or community development.
• Undecided (6%) – A flexible liberal arts curriculum allows students to explore broadly before declaring a major.

Diversity & Background

Pomona College values a pluralistic community and invests in programs that support inclusion and equity.

• 51% of students are domestic students of color
• 14% are international students
• 23% are first-generation college students

School types represented:

• Public schools: 54% 
• Independent/private: 25%
• Parochial/religious: 7%
• Charter/home-school: 4%

Financial Aid & Cost of Attendance

Pomona’s need-blind admission policy for U.S. citizens and graduates of U.S. high schools ensures equity in the process.

• 100% of demonstrated financial need is met – Pomona’s financial aid packages do not include loans, reducing future debt.
• 54% of students receive financial aid
• Average financial aid award: ~$71,000
• Total scholarships and grants awarded in 2023–2024: Over $60 million

Estimated Cost of Attendance (2024–2025)

• Tuition: $65,000
• Student Fees: $420
• Housing & Food: $21,394
• Total billed cost: $86,814
• Books & personal expenses (not billed): ~$2,600

Career Outcomes: Class of 2024

The Career Development Office tracks post-graduate outcomes through surveys and external data collection aligned with national standards. For the Class of 2024, outcomes were known for 75% of graduates. Among those:

• Knowledge Rate: 75% (verified outcomes data)
• Career participation: 92% of known graduates
  
  • 62% entered full-time jobs
    
  • 27% pursued graduate or professional education
    
  • 5% earned fellowships
    
  • 4% chose other opportunities
    
  • 2% engaged in service (e.g., Peace Corps)
    

Notable employers:
Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, NIH, Bain & Company, Amazon, Netflix, Peace Corps, PwC, L’Oréal, Teach for America, The Associated Press.

Application Process

Accepted application platforms:

• Common App
• Coalition App via Scoir
• QuestBridge

All are accepted equally, choose the one that best allows you to showcase your strengths.

Application Plans & Deadlines

Plan	Deadline	Notification	Reply By
Early Decision I	November 8	December 15	January 1
Early Decision II	January 8	February 15	March 1
Regular Decision	January 8	April 1	May 1

Application Requirements

• Application fee or waiver
• Official high school transcripts
• School report and counselor recommendation
• Two letters of recommendation
• Mid-year report
• Test scores (only for international students or those educated outside English-speaking systems)
• English proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo if applicable)
  

Applicants can self-report scores on their application but must submit official reports before enrollment.

Pomona College stands out for its strong academic foundation, close faculty-student relationships, and emphasis on intellectual curiosity and inclusion. With small classes and access to resources across the Claremont Colleges, students are encouraged to explore ideas across disciplines and engage deeply with their academic and personal interests. At Ivy Talent, we provide families with the right resources and guidance to make the process easier. Contact us for more information on how to get your child into the ideal school.