University Statistics

Students Approx 1,700
Intl. Students Approx 200
Founded 1887

Pomona College, founded in 1887, is a highly selective private liberal arts college located in Claremont, California. As a founding member of the Claremont Colleges consortium, Pomona offers students the intimate, supportive environment of a small college combined with the vast resources of a larger university system. Its rigorous academic programs emphasize critical thinking, interdisciplinary study, and close collaboration between students and faculty, often culminating in original research or creative projects. Pomona is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States, attracting intellectually curious and diverse students from across the globe.

The college’s curriculum spans a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and arts, encouraging students to explore diverse academic interests before specializing. With a strong commitment to undergraduate education, Pomona boasts an impressive student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship. Beyond the classroom, the college fosters a vibrant intellectual community, promoting civic engagement, social responsibility, and a global perspective. Its beautiful campus, nestled at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains, provides an ideal setting for both academic pursuits and personal growth.

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Campus Life

Campus life at Pomona College is exceptionally rich and engaging, deeply influenced by its membership in the Claremont Colleges consortium. Students benefit from the close-knit community of a small liberal arts college while having access to the expansive resources, clubs, and social events of five other undergraduate institutions and two graduate schools. This unique setup means students can cross-register for courses, participate in a vast array of student organizations, and enjoy a diverse social scene that includes concerts, lectures, cultural festivals, and sporting events.

Residential life is central to the Pomona experience, with almost all students living on campus for all four years. The college prides itself on its strong sense of community, fostering an environment where students live, learn, and grow together. Beyond academics, students are highly involved in over 200 campus organizations, encompassing everything from performing arts, journalism, and political activism to outdoor adventure and community service. The Southern California location also offers ample opportunities for hiking, beach trips, and exploring Los Angeles, providing a balanced and dynamic college experience.

Admission Information

Admission to Pomona College is highly selective, reflecting its status as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. The college practices a holistic review process, evaluating applicants not just on academic metrics but also on their intellectual curiosity, personal qualities, extracurricular achievements, and potential contributions to the campus community. Prospective students are encouraged to demonstrate strong academic performance in a challenging curriculum, typically including AP, IB, or honors courses, and submit standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), though Pomona has a test-optional policy.

Applicants are generally required to submit an online application (Common Application or Coalition Application), official high school transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation from teachers and a counselor, and a school report. Interviews, though not mandatory, are strongly recommended as an opportunity for applicants to share more about themselves and learn about the college. Pomona is committed to affordability and practices need-blind admission for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.