Pitzer College

Claremont, California
www.pitzer.edu/ 1050 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA, 91711

Pitzer College Acceptance Rate

Acceptance Rate 18%
Acceptance Deadline January 1

When considering Pitzer College admissions and Pitzer College GPA requirements, it’s also important to think about the Pitzer College acceptance rate and how that will affect your Pitzer application. Understanding the Pitzer acceptance rate will help you to understand how competitive it is to get in. The Pitzer College acceptance rate will help you determine if it’s a “safety,” “match,” or “reach” school for you when building your college list

College acceptance rates might seem daunting. However, it is important to understand what college acceptance rates mean. So, let’s break down how the Pitzer College acceptance rate affects Pitzer College admissions. 

What is Pitzer College Acceptance Rate?

The Pitzer College acceptance rate is 18%, which means that the Pitzer acceptance rate is lower than many other college acceptance rates. Pitzer is a small school with only about 1,100 undergraduates. However, with its tight-knit campus and extensive resources, it’s a popular choice among students nationwide. This explains the low Pitzer College acceptance rate. 

However, the Pitzer acceptance rate shouldn’t deter you from applying. In fact, the Pitzer acceptance rate has risen in the past few years from 13.4% for the class of 2020. If you’ve got your sights set on being a part of this small, left-leaning, intellectual campus, it’s absolutely possible to gain admission. The holistic Pitzer College admissions process gives applicants ample opportunity to shine by highlighting their essays, extracurriculars, and more. 

As discussed,  the Pitzer College acceptance rate is 18%. So, as you might guess, Pitzer College admissions looks at more than just test scores. In fact, Pitzer is trying out a test-free admission policy for three years starting in Fall 2022. This means that they will not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process.

The Pitzer application gives students a chance to show off the unique qualities that make them a great fit for Pitzer. Pitzer College admissions wants to see first-year applicants who have a rigorous academic course load and are involved in their school or community. High school transcripts, letters of recommendation, leadership positions, and a commitment to Pitzer’s values are also important. 

Is Pitzer College Hard To Get Into?

With the Pitzer College acceptance rate at 18%, the school is selective. However, impressing Pitzer College admissions is possible with some planning and preparation. Pitzer College admissions looks for applicants with “strong academic abilities, maturity, and socially conscious independence.” So, to overcome the Pitzer acceptance rate, you want to build a cohesive application narrative that highlights your strengths as a student and community member. 

The Pitzer acceptance rate is low, so students will need to work hard on crafting their personal narrative for their application. Applicants should show not only how they’d benefit from attending Pitzer, but how they would also contribute to the campus. During high school, students should take a well-rounded, rigorous course load and participate in extracurriculars. Figuring out how to get into Pitzer will come down to having a strong application.

But first, there’s no way you’ll figure out how to get into Pitzer and beat the Pitzer acceptance rate if you don’t meet all the admissions requirements and deadlines. Check out the details straight from Pitzer College admissions. 

Pitzer admissions gives hopeful applicants some tips and tricks for making their applications stand out. From essays to transcripts, they’ll give you an idea of how best to overcome the Pitzer acceptance rate. 

Pitzer College Admissions Statistics and Other Information

The Pitzer College acceptance rate is selective because the school appeals to students for a number of reasons. These include Pitzer’s small student to faculty ratio, quality liberal arts education, tight-knit campus, and many facilities. Understanding how you stack up against other admitted students is helpful when planning how to beat the Pitzer acceptance rate. 

Let’s look at some of the admissions statistics from 2022:

  • The average GPA of admitted students was 4.05. 
  • 49.5% of admitted students identified as students of color. 
  • 9.3% were international students. 
  • 12.3% were first generation college students. 
  • 41% of students admitted were from in-state while 59% were from out-of-state. 

The Pitzer College GPA requirements state that students need a GPA of at least 3.5. However, you should aim for higher than those the Pitzer College GPA requirements in order to beat the Pizter acceptance rate. You’ll notice that recently admitted students averaged a GPA of over 4.0. 

Is Pitzer College a good college?

Low college acceptance rates don’t necessarily mean much when it comes to finding the perfect school for you. Figuring out if Pitzer College is a good college is a personal question that will vary depending on your goals and preferences. You need to think about if it is a good fit for you. After all, it doesn’t help to fixate on the Pitzer College acceptance rate if you aren’t in love with the school.

Let’s look at what we know about Pitzer. The Pitzer College acceptance rate is 18%, so we know that many more students are interested in attending the school compared to those who are actually admitted. Pitzer College offers students a quality liberal arts education and a strong campus culture. However, the school also allows students to use other colleges’ facilities. Pitzer College students are able to walk to another Claremont College campus for academic, athletic, and social opportunities. 

Pitzer students are encouraged to personalize their education. Pitzer offers over forty majors to choose from. Furthermore, students can work with advisors to create their own course of study based on their interests and goals Moreover, Pitzer encourages students to get involved in the community. As a result, the majority of students are extremely active on campus, playing a key role in much of campus life. 

Pitzer College is located in a suburban area: Claremont, California. It’s a college town with trails nearby. Claremont is an hour from Los Angeles, and many students head to the city on the weekends. 

The best way to determine if Pitzer is the school for you (before you fixate on the Pitzer acceptance rate) is by visiting the campus, taking a virtual tour, and reading about campus life from current students. Scroll to the bottom of this page and see what students are saying about their Pitzer experience. Then, you can figure out if Pitzer is the school for you. 

Pitzer College Acceptance Rate vs. Pomona, Claremont, and Scripps Acceptance Rates

At this point, you may be wondering how the Pitzer acceptance rate compares to the other Claremont Colleges. Let’s look at the college acceptance rates of some of the other Claremont Colleges. 

U.S. News ranked Pomona College as #3 on their National Liberal Arts Colleges list. As such a highly rated liberal arts school, you may have guessed that its acceptance rate is quite low.  Pomona has an acceptance rate of 6.6%. The Pomona acceptance rate is much more selective than the Pitzer acceptance rate. 

Claremont McKenna College was ranked as #9 on U.S. News Best Colleges National Liberal Arts list. The Claremont acceptance rate is higher than Pomona’s, but lower than the Pitzer acceptance rate. The Claremont McKenna College acceptance rate is 11.2%.

Scripps College comes in at #33 on the same U.S. News list ranking the best National Liberal Arts Colleges. The Scripps college acceptance rate is 30%, giving it the highest acceptance rate of these four schools within the Claremont Colleges.

Since all of these schools fall within the Claremont College system, these college acceptance rates may be an important factor when it comes to which school you decide to apply to. Of course, other things such as campus life, tuition costs, and academics will play a role, too. 

Pitzer College Acceptance Rate – Final Thoughts

The Pitzer College acceptance rate is low, though not the most selective acceptance rate within the Claremont College system. Students hoping to beat the Pitzer acceptance rate should focus on their GPA, extracurriculars, and community involvement. Use your essays and letter of recommendation to really stand out in the admissions process. 

When it comes to beating the Pitzer acceptance rate, or other college acceptance rates, CollegeAdvisor.com is here to help. From understanding college acceptance rates to writing the perfect essay, we have experts here to help you. So, don’t be intimidated by the Pitzer College acceptance rate. Be motivated, and start planning your path to acceptance now.

Pitzer College Admissions

Pitzer College is a small, private college located in Claremont, California. U.S. News ranked Pitzer as #33 on their Best Liberal Arts Colleges list, so it may be no surprise that the Pitzer acceptance rate is on the lower end. It is one of seven institutions that make up the Claremont Colleges—a consortium of five elite liberal arts colleges outside of Los Angeles. Students who attend Pitzer University can take courses at other Claremont Colleges, which are all within walking distance. Not only does Pitzer provide students with a first-rate liberal arts education, but also it has the added advantages and resources of a larger university. 

Pitzer College Tuition

Average Cost* $29,195
Average Total Aid Awarded $46,576
Students Receiving Financial Aid 36.19%
*Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.

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Classes at Pitzer College

Student Faculty Ratio 11:1

Pitzer College Majors

Most Popular Majors
  • Biology
  • Political Science and Government
  • Environmental Science
  • Organizational Behavior Studies
  • Psychology
  • Economics
  • Communications
  • Mathematics
  • Sociology
  • Studio Arts

Online Classes at Pitzer

Offers Online Courses No

Our clients got into Pitzer College last admissions cycle. Are you next?

Our advisors graduated from the nation’s best universities and know what it takes to stand out in the admissions process.

Pitzer College Students

Full-Time Undergrad Enrollment 1,185
Part-Time Undergraduates 22

Pitzer College Advisors

Duke University

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duke University with a B.A. in Environmental Sciences & Policy and Sociology, the latter with distinction for researching and defending my undergraduate thesis and with a concentration in the Sociology of Work and Organizations. I was part of a plethora of organizations while in college, such as being a member of Business Oriented Women, a teaching assistant for Duke's Social Marketing class, and a marketing coordinator for a civic engagement program for Duke and Stanford student-athletes. Outside of Duke, I also took accounting classes at Foothill College and plan to sit for the CPA exam next year. During my time at Duke, I advised college-aged peers and students as an alum of my high school's Women in Leadership class on landing finance internships, resume building, interview prep, and more. In high school, I was a writing tutor and helped seniors and juniors sharpen their personal statements and supplement essays. I have a lot of experience as a peer editor and reader, and also assisted my younger sibling and cousins on their college applications. I have a widely adaptable approach to advising and am quick to pivot to ensure that any student's needs are met and exceeded. I take pride in my research skills as well as my writing/reviewing abilities. I had a whirlwind of an experience while applying to college, having applied to over 20 schools and being accepted to all but 2. Yet, the most memorable part of the process for me was being able to give back and help my peers achieve success. My goal is to ensure that a holistic, impactful picture of any student is aptly conveyed through writing and, more importantly, to make the college application and advising process as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Currently, I am a Global Banking & Markets Analyst at a financial firm in New York City. I also plan to apply to JD/MBA programs in the coming years to further my passion for law and business. My passion for advising and education stems back to my childhood, not only from being inspired by my mother's experience as an FGLI student who pushed herself to earn her Bachelor's degree and MBA on her own, but also by being able to tutor and help my younger brother on his journey to college. Outside of my career, I love photography, hiking, and running my music blog.

Also Accepted to

Santa Clara University
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Hello! My name is Heidi McClure and I have spent the last 18 years as a School Counselor, supporting students in grades 6-12. Much of my experience has been as a High School Counselor and College and Career Coordinator, helping students identify and pursue their goals beyond high school. Helping students find, apply, and get into schools that are a great fit for their academic and personal profile has always been my favorite part of my job. I am passionate about supporting students to both identify the best fitting colleges and craft their application story to gain admittance to the school(s) of their choice. I graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Colorado College and hold dual master’s degrees, in School Counseling and School Administration, as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. In addition to having experienced the benefits of both a small, liberal arts college, and a large public university for my own education, I have had the opportunity to visit many colleges both in the United States and abroad. As a result, I am knowledgeable about a wide array of post-secondary opportunities and their application processes. During my time as a School Counselor, I have advised thousands of students through the college search, selection, and application process. I have also had the opportunity to forge relationships with several College Admissions representatives from whom I have gleaned valuable insight about the college admission process. I enjoy being able to share these insights with the students and families that I work with to help as we craft an application strategy. The most important part of the advising process, for me, is ensuring that each student’s unique lived experience is told through the various application components that they submit. As an advisor, I feel successful when a student looks at their application package and sees their voice amplified and their story captured within it. With the increasing complexity of the college admissions and application landscape, the experience that I bring helping students navigate not only the Common Application, but the Coalition, University of California, QuestBridge, and UCAS applications, as well as Apply Texas, ensure students will receive tailored support no matter what schools they ultimately apply to. I recognize that each student has a unique application journey, and I am thrilled to partner with students and their families to understand and applaud the work that you’ve already put in, while crafting a plan and strategy that will help you get where you want to go. It is this level of personalization and my commitment to each student I work with that has helped the students I’ve worked with see extraordinary admissions results. Some of the schools that students I have recently worked with have been accepted to include Princeton, Rice, NYU, Colorado College, Wellesley, Scripps, UCLA, UC-Berkeley, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Notre Dame, University of Michigan, Stanford, and Washington University in St. Louis.

I look forward to getting to know your students and supporting you throughout the college application process!

Also Accepted to

Pitzer College

Hey! My name is Talya, and I am a recent graduate of Pitzer College in Claremont, California where I majored in Sociology. Here, I worked as a Head Writing Fellow at Pitzer College’s Writing Center for the past three years. In this position I assisted students at all levels of writing, ranging from first-year assignments to senior theses and graduate school applications. I have also supported the application process for numerous students who were accepted to prestigious fellowships like Fulbright, Watson, Truman, and Melon Mays. As an advisor, I combine my love for storytelling and conversation with my keen editorial eye, and sense of humor to support students in achieving their personal and educational goals. I approach advising with an open mind, understanding that each student has different strengths. I am committed to reducing stress, making this process more accessible, and helping students develop confidence in themselves. While I majored in sociology, my interests include psychology, public health, politics, and history and I am excited to work with students from a myriad of educational interests. I love learning, especially with and from my students. In my free time, you can find me learning how to rock climb, throwing dinner parties with friends, and taking walks by the ocean.

Pitzer College

I am an international student from Nairobi, Kenya, who embarked on an academic journey at the Claremont Colleges in California. My undergraduate pursuit led me to Biochemistry, with a strong focus on premed and leadership studies, until a pivotal moment during my senior year when I decided to shift my focus toward Cosmetic Chemistry combined with Marketing—a unique trajectory I aim to pursue at the graduate degree level. In addition to my academic journey, I have actively contributed to the field of college advising. Working and interning at a college advising firm in Nairobi, I have played a pivotal role in guiding fellow students through the intricate process of applying to international schools and navigating the complexities of securing financial aid. My distinct perspective as an international student has provided invaluable insights to assist others in achieving their educational aspirations.

Also Accepted to

Yale University

Hello! My name is Adriana, and I graduated from Pitzer College in 2018. I'm currently a PhD student in Sociology at Yale University, where I study topics relating to immigration, race, and inequality. Prior to Yale, I worked as an Admission Offer and have also served as a mentor for various college access programs that serve underrepresented populations. I'm a strong believer in the power of mentorship, and my goal is to give my students the tools, knowledge, and confidence that they need to pursue their educational aspirations.

Also Accepted to

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