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Pitzer College

Claremont, California · Private (nonprofit)

Ranked #36 US News

FindU Grade

BValue
N/ACampus
AAcademics
AAdmissions
A-Student Life
A-Overall

About

Pitzer College is located in Claremont, California. It is a private (nonprofit) institution. The university enrolls approximately 1,191 students.

pitzer.edu

Cost and aid

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$62,692
Out-of-state tuition$62,692
Room & board$21,374
Avg aid package$48,031
Students receiving aid10%
Pell grant recipients10%

Pitzer College's tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year amount to $64,888, with a total cost of attendance estimated at $89,792. Approximately 37% of Pitzer students receive financial aid through loans, work-study, scholarships, and institutional grants. The college is committed to meeting 100% of each student's demonstrated financial need, utilizing the Federal FAFSA and CSS Profile to determine eligibility.

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Admissions

Application info

Acceptance rate17%
Average GPA4.00
Student–faculty ratio10:1
Test optionalYes
Common AppYes
Application fee$70

Pitzer College is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 15.9% for the Class of 2027. The college seeks students who demonstrate a commitment to its core values of social responsibility, intercultural understanding, interdisciplinary learning, student engagement, and environmental sustainability. Pitzer has a test-free admission policy and considers applicants' high school GPA, letters of recommendation, and supplemental essays.

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Academics

Graduation rate84%
Retention rate94%
Student–faculty ratio10:1
Full-time faculty77%

Pitzer College is known for its social justice culture and experimental pedagogical approach, offering 41 majors and 22 minors with a curricular emphasis on social sciences, behavioral sciences, international programs, and media studies. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, Pitzer fosters close relationships between students and faculty, 100% of whom hold a Ph.D. or terminal degree. Students are expected to actively participate in planning their course of study, with few distribution requirements.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$69,512
Avg starting salary$52,000
Job placement rate92%
Earn more than HS grad72%
Economic mobility221%
Loan default (3 yr)2%
Loan repayment (3 yr)84%

Pitzer College prepares graduates for success in various fields, including education, public service, and the arts. The college's emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and social responsibility equips students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Pitzer is also a top producer of Fulbright U.S. Student Program awardees, highlighting the global impact and academic excellence of its alumni.

Student life

Demographics

Small School
1,191Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

More femaleGender ratio
Female 60%Male 40%
49% WhiteRacial diversity
White 49%Hispanic 13%Asian 12%Black 4%Other 22%
Campus housingYes

Pitzer College offers a dynamic social scene with a variety of parties and events, though experiences can vary. The presence of fraternities, sororities, and gender-neutral 'frarorities' adds to campus events, and many students participate in sports and recreational activities. With over 50 student clubs and organizations on campus, in addition to over 200 others within the Claremont Colleges consortium, students have ample opportunities for involvement.

Student reviews

Professors

Current Student

I have loved my time at PZ. I know there's a preconceived notion that PZ students don't apply themselves academically when compared to other schools but after taking classes at the other 4C's and transferring from a top-10 university, I have to disagree. PZ classes have had some of the most lively discussions of all the campuses and people are incredibly interested in super-niche topics.

Current Student

The professors deeply care about their students and their lives. They're passionate about their respective fields and eager to help you. There are plenty of clubs and multiple parties each weekend. Pitzer truly is a college where you get out what you put in. If you use your resources, you succeed.

Campus and vibes

Current Student

I think more than the schools, PZ students tend to have more outside hobbies, and are especially outdoorsy which some people think means that we're hippies or disorganized but that hasn't been my experience. I think PZ as an institution strives to create well-rounded people rather than just good employees.

Current Student

I love Pitzer!! I have met the most amazing friends that have changed my life. Love them so much lol. All my professors are very accomodating. Housing is great, but I marked it down because the housing selection process is awful, but ended up working out mostly for everyone I'm close with.

About Pitzer College

Campus safety at Pitzer is generally described as reliable, with students feeling secure walking alone on and between campuses, even at night. The college actively promotes safety measures, including emergency towers and teal dot training to combat sexual assault. Campus security maintains a visible presence, especially during events, contributing to a peaceful campus environment.

Pitzer College offers several research programs, grants, and awards to support students in their academic pursuits. These include the Department of Natural Sciences Summer Research Program, the JF Harmon Summer Faculty-Student Research Assistantship Program, and the Katie Lawson Endowed Memorial Award. Students can also apply for funding to present at academic conferences and participate in off-campus research opportunities through the Pitzer Internship Fund.

Pitzer College enrolls 10% international students, the third largest among the Claremont Consortium. The college offers 46 international exchange programs and operates its own study abroad programs in various countries. Pitzer also provides support through the International Scholars Program, which helps international students develop the English language skills needed to participate in the challenging liberal arts education at Pitzer and The Claremont Colleges.

Endowment$170,000,348
Avg faculty salary$146,196

Pitzer College FAQ

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