How Is Studying at Harvey Mudd College? A Full Breakdown of Admission Requirements, Tuition, and Top Majors
Wondering what it's like to study at Harvey Mudd College? This article provides a detailed breakdown of Harvey Mudd College's admission requirements, tuition costs, standout majors, application tips, and campus life to help you gain a full understanding of this top-tier liberal arts college.
Uni-Study Editorial Team
Foreword
"Teacher, what kind of school is Harvey Mudd College? Why have I never heard of it?"
I get this question from many parents every year. Harvey Mudd College is indeed not one of those "internet-famous schools", but its reputation in the engineering field is extremely well-established. This small liberal arts college located in Claremont, California, has cultivated a large number of top engineers and tech talents.
Today, I’ll help you get a comprehensive understanding of this "low-key powerhouse".
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1. Overview of Harvey Mudd College
Founded in 1955, Harvey Mudd College is a member of the Claremont Colleges consortium. It focuses on science, engineering, and mathematics education. Despite its small size (only around 900 undergraduate students), it holds enormous influence in the engineering industry.
Basic Facts
| Item | Data |
| US News Liberal Arts College Ranking | #25 |
| Engineering Program Ranking (non-PhD granting) | Top 10 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~14% |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | ~900 |
| International Student Ratio | ~10% |
| Annual Tuition | ~$62,000 |
2. Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Application
Standardized Test Scores- SAT: 1450-1550 (median range)
- ACT: 33-35
- TOEFL: 100+ (105+ recommended)
- IELTS: 7.5+
- Unweighted GPA: 3.9+
- Weighted GPA: 4.0+
- Class Rank: Top 10%
- Common Application
- Harvey Mudd supplemental essays
- 2 teacher recommendation letters (one from a math teacher and one from a science teacher)
- 1 college counselor recommendation letter
- Standardized test scores (test-optional)
- Extracurricular activity list
- Interview (recommended)
3. Top Majors
Engineering
Harvey Mudd’s engineering program is extremely strong, especially in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Despite the school’s small size, the difficulty and depth of its engineering courses are on par with MIT.
Mathematics
Harvey Mudd’s mathematics department is one of the top in the world, having produced numerous math competition winners and mathematics professors.
Physics
The physics department is also very strong, particularly in theoretical physics and applied physics.
Computer Science
The CS program is exceptional, and its graduates are highly sought after in Silicon Valley.
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4. Tuition and Scholarships
Tuition
- Undergraduate tuition: ~$62,000 per year
- Total annual cost (including housing and meals): ~$82,000 per year
Scholarships
Harvey Mudd offers a variety of scholarships, including merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid.
- Around 50% of Harvey Mudd undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance
- Scholarship amounts range from $10,000 to full tuition coverage
5. Campus Life
Claremont Colleges Consortium
As a member of the Claremont Colleges, Harvey Mudd students can take courses at the other four colleges in the consortium (Pomona College, Scripps College, Claremont McKenna College, Pitzer College) and enjoy shared resources across all five schools.
Academic Atmosphere
Harvey Mudd has a very intense academic atmosphere, and its courses are highly challenging. Students are generally hardworking, and there is a strong tradition of mutual support among the student body.
Employment
Harvey Mudd graduates are extremely popular in Silicon Valley, and their median starting salary ranks among the highest of all universities in the United States.
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6. Application Tips
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7. Final Thoughts
Harvey Mudd College is a true "low-key powerhouse". Though it is small in size, its influence in the engineering field is immense. If you love science and engineering and are eager to receive a top-tier education in a small-class environment, Harvey Mudd could be a great choice for you.
For more information about U.S. universities, please visit the Uni-Study U.S. University Database.