About Harvey Mudd College

Founded in 1955, Harvey Mudd College. is a Private college. Located in California, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 842 full time undergraduate students, and 0 full time graduate students.

The Harvey Mudd College Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 8:1. There are 105 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Harvey Mudd College include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate12%
Application Deadline15-Nov
Application Fee70
SAT Range1420-1580
ACT Range32-35

Admissions at HMC are considered Most Selective, with ,5% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 5 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

100% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 100% were in the top quarter, and 95% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Harvey Mudd College.

Harvey Mudd College REVIEWS

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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    29 Students rated on-campus housing 4.4 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    18 Students rated off-campus housing 2.2 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    29 Students rated campus food 3.9 stars. 24 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    29 Students rated campus facilities 4.3 stars. 48 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    29 Students rated class size 4.7 stars. 69 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    29 Students rated school activities 3.5 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    29 Students rated local services 4 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    29 Students rated academics 4.5 stars. 72 % gave the school a 5.0.

What's your overall opinion of Harvey Mudd College?

7 Students rated Harvey Mudd College

Th - 03/18/2021

Real gem. Rare, unique, and highly valuable. They are pragmatic which leads to great tangible results. Their students' quality rivals MIT and Caltech, and they are developed into comparably high-quality professionals. Their niche and uniqueness are probably why they are not very widely known.

Maya

Harvey Mudd is super rigorous - I'm not going to lie. I'm taking almost double the number of classes that other people are for the same number of credits. That said, because of its rigor, it is so much more rewarding. Plus, all the recruiters know this, so they're twice as impressed when we say we're from Harvey Mudd, right? ;) Honestly, the people are super nice, and you'll definitely find your scene no matter what you're into. Plus, since SoCal is full of universities and opportunities, it's such an easy place to reach out to other people and places from.

Joseph

Harvey Mudd has an amazing math program. I barely liked math before coming here but decided to jointly major in Mathematics and Computer Science. The professors all range from good to amazing. Harvey mud has requires that every student completes a set of classes called CORE. There are a lot of classes to take but with only a few exceptions the classes are all very interesting even though I haven't started classes for my major I feel like I am learning things that are very useful and very powerful. The students are all very nice and very smart. My only complaints are that some of the curriculum's in some of the classes like Statistics and CS 42 were disappointing. Also, some of the big universities probably have more big events, PE classes, and research opportunities.

Udeema

Overall, Harvey Mudd College gets 4 stars. Mudd (which is the shorthand term students use) is ugly. There’s no nice way to put it. The buildings are made of cinderblocks, all of them are completely square, and one of the dorms looks like a run-down motel. If you want a college where you can go outside and relax in the scenery, this isn’t the place for you. On appearance alone, Mudd gets zero stars (and trust me, all of Mudd’s students agree). But appearance isn’t the reason Mudders (HMC students) choose this school. Harvey Mudd College is one of the best undergraduate STEM schools in the country. The college prides itself on providing a broad education in STEM through its Common Core curriculum, governing the student body through the Honor Code, and making sure students understand the impact of their work on society. In addition, although Harvey Mudd may be small, it is nested within the Claremont Colleges giving it the feel of a larger school. Class sizes are usually small and they’re all taught by faculty. The professors care a great deal about students and make sure students are able to understand the material. For example, even established classes like Engineering Systems and Introductory Computer Science (which are both part of the Core curriculum) are constantly evolving to meet students’ needs. On its faculty, Harvey Mudd gets five stars. Mudd is also home to some of the best overworked nerds. Sure, everyone’s a bit awkward but they all look out for one another. If you were to pass out on the lawn, there would be many mudders (who you don’t know) who come by to check on you. Upperclassmen look out for the freshman when they need help or are simply lost when roaming the campus. The best part is that there is no cutthroat competitive culture around grades. The idea is that we are all drowning ducks suffering together. Of course, this isn’t all there is to Mudd. There is a reason I gave it 4 stars. There is a reason when the admissions office tells prospective students that Mudd is really hard, they’re not kidding. The Core curriculum consists of 13 classes and three labs which totals 37.5 credits (three credits is one full semester course). Doesn’t sound too bad right? Take an average of 13 credits per semester and you’ll be done with Core by sophomore fall. However, students need to take classes other than core. For instance, to be an engineering major Mudders need to take a class called E4 within the first three semesters. This means students take an average of five to six classes. For reference, the average college student takes four classes a semester. In order to graduate from Harvey Mudd College in four years fulfilling the Core requirements, major requirements, and humanities requirements, Mudders have to take an average of five classes a semester. This results in an extremely stressful environment full of overworked and sleep-deprived young adults on the edge of a mental breakdown. No one ever has enough time to do everything they want to do. This includes but is not limited to: going off campus, showering, sleeping eight hours, putting forth quality work, and investing in a social life. Mudders joke about rescheduling mental breakdowns because they can not afford to lose the time when they could be doing homework. In summary, Mudd pushes students to the edge of their capabilities. They graduate amazing scientists and engineers who challenge themselves. Their faculty make teaching a top priority. Students don’t compete with each other instead they help and support each other so everyone can succeed. However, Mudd also pushes students to the edge of their mental and physical health. There is no time for students to truly enjoy their life or explore their passions outside of STEM.

Harvey Mudd College FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Harvey Mudd College?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Harvey Mudd College is 12%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    So you are ready to go to off to college. Your bags are packed, and you are excited and nervous about your upcoming adventure. It is great to be enthusiastic, but before you leave, take the time to do the things you enjoy and spend time with loved ones. You will soon learn that if you do not live your life fully at each moment, opportunities will pass you by. Make sure that you know how to stay calm and focused, and learn how to take care of yourself. Remember that sleep is a necessity. Your fellow students are also adventurers, as well as future coworkers and confidants. Be friendly and true, but remember that you are your own top priority. You will have many new experiences, some unique to your college. Try to take advantage of them, but remember to keep up with your curriculum. If the curriculum is much harder than you are used to, find help among professors and experienced students. Find an activity you love, a subject area you have passion and some talent for, friends, and a work ethic. When you return home for the holidays, you will be bursting to share your success story.

    Read all  24 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    half-and-half nerdy/awesome and annoying dumbass

    Read all  18 answers
  4. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    In general, no. Of course there are very quiet and anti-social people, and there are the stereotypical video game playing nerds, but nerds come in all types, and they're all represented here. Most people are very social, and it's guaranteed you'll fit in with some group (as long as you're a nerd on the inside).

    Read all  17 answers
  5. What are the academics like at your school?

    Almost all my professors know my name. Even the large core classes which everybody takes at the same time freshman year are broken up into smaller sections. The introductory macroeconomics class I'm taking has about 60 people and the professor doesn't know my name, but that's rare. In general, how much I like a class is simply related to how much I like the material. I love my computer science and math classes- I don't like freshman chemistry or humanities 1, but that's because I just don't like chemistry and hum 1 was a ton of writing. Computer Science 60 stands out as a particularly well run class The professors are extremely available. Usually I'm kind of stubborn, but on occasion I've gone to look for help on an assignment and I've never had trouble finding a professors. They also set up extensive tutoring hours by upperclassmen for many of the core classes. The core curriculum is very broad and demanding- they do a lot to get everyone through it. As for intellectual conversations outside of class- yes, yes, YES! The variety of topics we talk about outside of class is astounding. Quantum physics is always good breakfast conversation, and my roommate and suite mate talk about philosophy a lot. We spend hours upon hours doing homework and studying, and then when we're done we still want to talk about science. Finally, the education is what you make of it. Most of the people here appreciate knowledge for the sake of knowledge, and a lot of us go on to grad school. However, there is senior clinic which is a real world project and helps prepare people for industry. Really, it prepares you for both.

    Read all  17 answers
  6. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    We're geeks. (And supposedly we're proud of it!)

    Read all  17 answers
  7. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    The best things about Mudd are the atmosphere and the people around you. Finally being around like-minded individuals allows people to really open and for a free flow of ideas and discussion. There's a sense of excitement about the work being done- both in what we learn and what the upperclassmen research. This is where science happens, and its a wonderful thing to be a part of. I'd change the architecture- it's kind of ugly. It seems they've wised up- the newest buildings are much nicer, but anything built before the 1990's has the protruding brick them (we call them "warts"). Sometimes it feels too small, although you can always take classes or go to events at the other 4 Claremont Colleges.

    Read all  16 answers
  8. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Two Harvey Mudd students take the challenge to "build something cool" and get a prize from CA.

    Read all  15 answers
  9. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    How amazing it is, but without being cutthroat in any way shape or form. Everyone is very academically focused and covers advanced material, but we get through it in groups, not individually. It's one of the top undergraduate schools for engineering and you can tell why, but everyone works together. You can't succeed at Mudd without communicating and working with others, which is good because Mudders are great friends and colleagues. Although the college offers only technical majors, everyone is still very well-rounded and have active social lives.

    Read all  11 answers
  10. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    It is possible to feel like you understand the material, relax in your studies a bit, and then be completely surprised during a test. The way to succeed is to always stay focused and absorb absolutely everything the professor tells you.

    Read all  7 answers
  11. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Harvey Mudd College is a liberal arts college with a focus in the field STEM.

    Read all  6 answers
  12. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    The professors are great and really care about the students and their learning. Classes are challenging, but fun, and the campus and students couldn't be nicer. I love the California environment, the small-town feel of Claremont with the close proximity of Los Angeles.

    Read all  6 answers
  13. What's unique about your campus?

    The honor code! We are expected to know right from wrong. So we can take final exams in our dorm rooms, and the professors know we won't cheat. We can trust our classmates not to steal from us or sabotage us. This creates an extremely strong community built on trust. Because they trust us, professors allow sick students to take tests later, when they are feeling better. Because we trust each other, we collaborate instead of competing.

    Read all  5 answers
  14. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I knew more about how temperate the California climate usually is, but that Claremont can be very hot in the late summer and early fall. I wish I knew how important it would be to have a bike, skateboard or longboard to ride around on campus and how quickly I would adjust to living in a co-ed dorm suite, and be grateful for it, too.

    Read all  5 answers
  15. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    A lot of the guys are nerdy, so if you're looking for some sweet hook-ups, don't come here.

    Read all  5 answers
  16. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Engineering for sure. We are a top notch technical school, and produce some of the best engineers in the nation.

    Read all  4 answers
  17. What are your classes like?

    Here are a couple launches for the newly redesigned experimental engineering course at Harvey Mudd College.

    Read all  3 answers
  18. What kind of person should attend this school?

    A very driven, mathematically oriented person does well at Mudd. Everyone at Mudd was the best in their high school, so it is competitive but not in a cutthroat way. Everyone wants to help, and everyone will struggle at least a little.

    Read all  2 answers
  19. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    Someone who does not want to work hard. It is okay to come here not knowing yet what you want to do, but if you are not willing to work hard to help yourself, and to help others reach their goals, you will not survive here. Everything here is a group effort, and we all help and support each other. You must be willing to work with others, and not underestimate the rigor of the classes here.

    Read all  1 answers
  20. Describe a day on campus you'll never forget.

    Pranking a faculty member at Harvey Mudd College goes horribly wrong for two HMC students. AMAZINGLY funny.

    Read all  1 answers

Student Body

Students

46%

female

54%

male

842

Total Undergrad Enrollment

N/A

Total Grad Students

56%

Out-Of-State

37%

In-State

7%

International

Organizations

90

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

99%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
19%
% Black or African-American
3%
% Hispanic/Latino
16%
% White or Caucasian
36%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

79% of students attending Harvey Mudd College receive some sort of financial aid. 11% were awarded federal grants. While 42% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$52,666

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$800

Books and Supplies

$17,051

Room and Board

70,517

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$15,762
$30 - $48K
$16,726
$48 - $75K
$25,102
$75 - $110K
$21,952
$110K & UP
$42,967

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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