Loading…

UNITED STATES · CLAREMONT

Claremont Graduate University

private · Founded 1925 · Languages: en

In short

Claremont Graduate University (CGU) is a private graduate-only institution in Claremont, California, offering advanced degrees within The Claremont Colleges consortium. It provides a focused academic environment with interdisciplinary research opportunities, small class sizes, and personalized faculty mentorship.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1925
Students: 2,038
International students: 448
Acceptance rate: 50%
Tuition (intl): €36–50k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Claremont, United States

Claremont Graduate University (CGU), established in 1925, is a private institution exclusively dedicated to graduate-level education. As a member of The Claremont Colleges, CGU provides a unique academic setting that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and in-depth research. Located in Claremont, California, the university benefits from the extensive intellectual resources and dynamic community of the consortium while maintaining its distinct focus on advanced study. CGU comprises several schools, including the School of Arts & Humanities, Drucker School of Management, School of Social Science, Policy & Evaluation, School of Community & Global Health, School of Educational Studies, Center for Information Systems & Technology, and Institute of Mathematical Sciences. This structure supports a wide range of master's and doctoral programs, encouraging students to explore connections between various disciplines. Known for its faculty's contributions to their fields and its alumni's global impact, CGU offers a student experience characterized by close faculty-student mentorship, small class sizes, and extensive research opportunities. The university's commitment to fostering intellectual growth and critical inquiry prepares graduates for leadership, innovative problem-solving, and continued scholarly pursuits. CGU also emphasizes global engagement, attracting a diverse international student body.

Why study here

Benefit from a graduate-exclusive environment with faculty and services entirely dedicated to advanced study.
Engage in transdisciplinary research and learning, integrating insights from various fields to solve complex problems.
Receive individualized mentorship and small class sizes, fostering close collaboration with expert faculty.
Tailor your academic program to your specific interests and career goals, maximizing intellectual and professional opportunities.
Access extensive resources, libraries, and diverse student organizations across The Claremont Colleges consortium.
Gain practice-based training, internships, and research projects that prepare you for immediate impact in your field and a meaningful career.
Join a diverse and inclusive community representing 51 countries.

Student life

Claremont Graduate University provides a supportive environment for students to succeed academically and personally. Students have access to academic support services like the Center for Academic & Faculty Excellence and the Center for Writing & Rhetoric. A diverse range of graduate student clubs and organizations are available across The Claremont Colleges, fostering a community of acceptance and inclusion. Resources promoting diversity include the Asian American Advisory Board, Chicano/Latino Student Affairs, Intercollegiate Feminist Center, Muslim Student Association, Office of Black Student Affairs, and the Queer Resource Center. The Career Development Office specializes in graduate student career coaching, resume and interview best practices, internship placement, and alumni networking, providing tailored support from day one for career advancement.

Fees

InternationalInternational students (F-1 and J-1 visa only) are assessed an International Student Services Fee of $802 in the fall semester and $898 in the spring semester (2025-26 rates). This fee covers annual accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Standard student fee is $245 per semester, and technology fee is $150 per semester.

HomeFor 2025-26, general tuition is $2,070 per unit. MFA program tuition is $1,700 per unit, Executive Management PhD program tuition is $2,575 per unit, and Teacher Education program tuition is $1000 per unit. Post-coursework fees include a Continuous Registration Fee of $1,390 per semester for master's students and a Doctoral Study Fee of $2,575 per semester for doctoral students.

LivingLiving costs in the Claremont/greater Los Angeles area typically run about $20,000–$28,000 per year for housing, food, transport and personal expenses, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.

Tuition and fees are subject to change annually. The International Student Services Fee is non-refundable.

Admissions

Application Fee (Standard)$80

Application Fee (SOPHAS for Public Health)$135

Full-time Enrollment for International StudentsRequired

CGU ApplicationUsed for most master's, doctoral, and certificate programs, Accelerated MPH, and DO/MPH dual enrollment.

SOPHAS ApplicationUsed for Master of Public Health (MPH) and Doctorate in Public Health (DrPH) programs only.

Claremont Colleges 1-Year Masters Program, Soka University of America, and SUNY Geneseo ApplicationSpecific application for students from these institutions applying to CGU, including the Claremont Colleges 1-Year Masters.

TOEFL iBTTypically a minimum of 80; program requirements may be higher

IELTS AcademicTypically a minimum of 7.0; program requirements may vary

University scholarships

Merit-Based Fellowships (DBOS)Varies

Community Fellows Program—

Research Assistantships—

On-campus Teaching Assistantships—

DBOS Travel Awards—

DBOS Administrative Positions—

CGU Administrative Positions (Federal Work Study)—

Paid Internships—

Stuart Oskamp Fellowship—

Maguire Intercollegiate Funds—

Si and Bob Fluor Fellowship—

Charles A. Reckefus Memorial Fellowship—

John Stauffer Charitable Trust Fellowship—

George Mayr Fellowship—

Forest Lawn Fellowship—

Larry and Jane Rosen Fellowship—

Douglas and Ethel Pearce Endowed Fellowship—

Anonymous Fellowship—

Accreditation

Claremont Graduate University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Claremont Graduate University · United States

Early Career MBA

The Early Career MBA program at Claremont Graduate University provides professionals with a comprehensive foundation in management principles, guided by core values of purpose-driven leadership, a human-centered approach, flexibility, and a transdisciplinary perspective. This program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to lead organizations effectively and ethically, recognizing people as the most critical organizational asset. The curriculum emphasizes finding innovative solutions through diverse viewpoints and fostering leadership that contributes to societal betterment.

Claremont Graduate University · United States

MA in Art

The MA in Art program at Claremont Graduate University provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary art-making. This intensive, one-year program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and succeed in a dynamic and evolving art world. You will engage in a structured yet highly customizable curriculum, allowing you to develop your artistic practice while critically interacting with contemporary issues and artistic trends. The program fosters an environment where artists can produce work that engages with and impacts the world.

Claremont Graduate University · United States

Master of Arts in English

The Master of Arts in English program at Claremont Graduate University (CGU) offers a deep dive into classic and contemporary literature, exploring evolving voices and perspectives. You will join a vibrant literary community, strengthening your understanding of English and American literature with a foundation in critical theory. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary and transnational analyses of literature and culture. Small, seminar-style classes and personalized faculty advising foster an intimate, student-centered environment for engaging with complex ideas. You'll collaborate with doctoral students, gain exposure to scholarly research, and utilize the extensive resources of The Claremont Colleges. You can customize your academic path by focusing on a single discipline or literature, or by forging connections across different fields. The skills and expertise you develop will prepare you for diverse career paths, including teaching, professional writing, publishing, and corporate communications.

Claremont Graduate University · United States

Master of Arts in History

The Master of Arts in History program at Claremont Graduate University (CGU) equips you with essential research and analytical skills for diverse career paths. You will engage with a wide range of historical topics and approaches, benefiting from a humanistic education that emphasizes critical thinking and communication. The program allows for interdisciplinary study, with concentrations in areas such as American Studies, Early Modern Studies, European Studies, and Global/Comparative History. You will study alongside faculty-scholars specializing in U.S. and European history, and have access to resources from the other Claremont Colleges, including extensive library collections and nearby research institutions like the Huntington Library.

Claremont Graduate University · United States

Master of Arts in Music

Claremont Graduate University's Master of Arts in Music program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for a professional career in music. The program offers a balanced approach, integrating music performance with scholarly research. You will explore music within its broader interdisciplinary, cultural, and intellectual contexts while developing mastery in the theory and practice of performance. Our faculty comprises accomplished performers and scholars with diverse expertise in musicology, performance, and composition. They are dedicated mentors who bring their passion for music and research into the classroom.

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke University

Karsh International Scholarship Program

Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.

University of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at Claremont Graduate University?

For the 2025-26 academic year, general tuition is $2,070 per unit, with specific rates for MFA, Executive Management PhD, and Teacher Education programs. International students also pay an annual International Student Services Fee ($802 in Fall, $898 in Spring) which covers health insurance and administrative costs. Additionally, there's a standard student fee ($245/semester) and a technology fee ($150/semester).

What are the estimated living costs for international students?

Living costs in the Claremont/greater Los Angeles area typically range from $20,000 to $28,000 per year. This estimate covers housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses, and can vary based on individual lifestyle and accommodation choices.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?

International applicants typically need a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80, or an IELTS Academic score of 7.0. However, specific program requirements may be higher.

What is unique about studying at Claremont Graduate University?

CGU is a graduate-only institution within The Claremont Colleges consortium, offering a unique academic environment focused on advanced study, interdisciplinary research, and personalized mentorship. Students benefit from small class sizes and extensive resources across multiple campuses.

Are there opportunities for international students to receive financial aid or scholarships?

While many named fellowships are specific to the Division of Behavioral & Organizational Sciences, CGU offers merit-based fellowships to admitted students, research assistantships, and on-campus teaching and administrative positions. International students should explore all available financial aid and funding opportunities.

Last updated 3 July 2026