Claremont, CA · Admissions

Harvey Mudd College

Acceptance Rate & How to Get In

Harvey Mudd College has a 12.7% acceptance rate, making it highly selectivea reach for nearly every applicant. Admitted students score around 1510–1560 on the SAT. Here is what the numbers say it takes to get in.

12.7%
Acceptance rate
1510–1560
SAT (mid 50%)
34–36
ACT (mid 50%)
Test-optional
Testing

How hard is it to get into Harvey Mudd College?

With a 12.7% acceptance rate, Harvey Mudd College is highly selectivea reach for nearly every applicant. It enrolls roughly 920 undergraduates (suburban setting) in Claremont, CA. At this level, strong grades and scores are the baseline, not the differentiator — your essays and what makes you distinctive carry real weight.

What it takes to get in

  • SAT: admitted students land around 1510–1560 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
  • ACT: the middle 50% is about 34–36.
  • Testing policy: Test-optional. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
  • Essays: at Harvey Mudd College's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.

Cost

Published tuition is about $68,262 per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.

Notable programs

Engineering · Computer Science · Mathematics · Physics

See the Common App personal-statement guide

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Harvey Mudd College admissions FAQ

What is Harvey Mudd College's acceptance rate?
Harvey Mudd College's acceptance rate is 12.7%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Harvey Mudd College?
Admitted students typically score about 1510–1560 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 34–36 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
Is Harvey Mudd College test-optional?
Harvey Mudd College's current testing policy is: Test-optional. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Sources & official links

Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on Harvey Mudd College’s official admissions site.