About Claremont Graduate University

Established in 1925, Claremont Graduate University (CGU) is a private graduate-only institution located in Claremont, California. As part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, CGU offers a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to graduate education. The university emphasizes research, leadership, and community engagement, preparing students to address complex global challenges. CGU offers a wide range of master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs across various disciplines.​

Acceptance Rate

Claremont Graduate University has an estimated acceptance rate of 12.5%, indicating a highly competitive admissions process. This reflects the university’s commitment to selecting candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic potential and alignment with CGU’s mission and values. ​

Claremont Graduate University Tuition Fees

Tuition fees at CGU vary by program:​

  • Standard Programs: $2,020 per unit
  • MFA Programs: $1,660 per unit
  • Executive Management PhD Programs: $2,500 per unit
  • Teacher Education Programs: $975 per unit​

Additional fees include:​

  • Student Fee: $245 per semester
  • Technology Fee: $150 per semester
  • International Student Services Fee: $661 (fall) / $776 (spring)​

Post-coursework fees are:​

  • Continuous Registration Fee: $1,350 per semester
  • Doctoral Study Fee: $2,500 per semester​

These rates are for the 2024–2025 academic year. ​

Claremont Graduate University Scholarships

CGU offers a variety of financial aid options:​

  • CGU Fellowships: Merit-based awards based on departmental recommendations.
  • External Scholarships & Fellowships: Opportunities from external organizations.
  • Federal and Private Loans: Including Federal Direct Loans and private loan options.
  • Teaching/Research Assistantships: Positions that provide stipends and tuition remission.
  • Dissertation Awards, Travel Awards, Stipends, and Prizes: Support for research and academic achievements.
  • Employer Tuition Remission Benefits: Assistance for employees of participating organizations.​

Over $16 million in fellowships are awarded annually to more than 85% of CGU students.

Claremont Graduate University Admission Requirements

General Requirements:

  • Completed application form.
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
  • Letters of recommendation.
  • Statement of purpose.
  • Resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Application fee (varies by program).​

International Applicants:

  • Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo).
  • Evaluation of international transcripts.
  • Visa documentation (F-1 or J-1).​

Application deadlines vary by program. For international students, the final deadline for Fall admission is July 5.

Claremont Graduate University Country Rank

In the United States, CGU is ranked 288th overall. Within the region, it holds the 322nd position.

Claremont Graduate University World Rank

Globally, CGU is ranked 1,632nd out of 20,966 institutions, placing it in the top 7.8% worldwide.

Acceptance Rank

CGU’s acceptance rate of 12.5% places it among selective institutions.

Online Application

Prospective students can apply through CGU’s online application portal, hosted by Slate Technolutions. The application fee is $80 for most programs. For the Master of Public Health (MPH) and Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) programs, applicants should use the SOPHAS application system.

Claremont Graduate University Offered Programs

CGU offers a wide range of graduate programs across various disciplines:​

  • Arts & Humanities: Art, English, History, Music, Philosophy.
  • Behavioral & Organizational Sciences: Psychology, Organizational Behavior.
  • Community & Global Health: Public Health, Health Promotion Sciences.
  • Drucker School of Management: MBA, Executive MBA, PhD in Management.
  • Educational Studies: Education Policy, Teacher Education.
  • Information Systems & Technology: Data Science, Information Systems.
  • Mathematical Sciences: Mathematics, Applied Mathematics.
  • Politics & Economics: Political Science, Economics.​

Required Documents

Applicants typically need to submit:​

Resume or curriculum vitae

Completed application form.

Official transcripts.

Letters of recommendation.

Statement of purpose.