How much does Harvey Mudd cost for 2026-2027?

Harvey Mudd lists 2026-2027 on-campus cost of attendance at $104,512, including $76,879 tuition, $401 student body fee, $13,293 housing, $11,489 food, $1,400 personal expenses, $800 books and supplies and a $250 orientation fee.

Harvey Mudd Acceptance Rate 2026: GPA, SAT & Admissions Guide Harvey Mudd Acceptance Rate 2026: GPA, SAT & Admissions Guide

Q: What is the Harvey Mudd acceptance rate for 2026?

For 2026 planning, Harvey Mudd College's latest official first-year profile shows 5,224 applications and 645 admitted students, which is about a 12.3% admit rate. This makes Harvey Mudd a very selective STEM-focused college.

Q: Is Harvey Mudd hard to get into?

Yes. Harvey Mudd is hard to get into because the admit rate is about 12.3%, the admitted score range is very high, and applicants are expected to show strong preparation in math, science, writing and collaborative problem-solving.

Q: What GPA do you need for Harvey Mudd?

Harvey Mudd does not publish one guaranteed GPA cutoff. Competitive applicants usually have excellent grades in the most challenging courses available, especially calculus, chemistry and physics. HMC reviews academic profile in the context of the high school.

Q: What SAT score is good for Harvey Mudd?

Harvey Mudd's Class of 2029 middle 50% score range is SAT ERW 740-770 and SAT Math 760-790. Because HMC is test optional through 2026, students should submit SAT only if the score strengthens the application.

Q: What ACT score is good for Harvey Mudd?

Harvey Mudd's Class of 2029 middle 50% ACT Composite range is 35-36. A lower score does not automatically prevent admission because HMC is test optional, but submitted scores should be very strong.

Q: Is Harvey Mudd test optional for 2026?

Yes. Harvey Mudd states that it extended its ACT/SAT optional pilot through 2026 and that students are not disadvantaged if they cannot submit or choose not to submit scores.

Q: What are Harvey Mudd application deadlines?

Harvey Mudd lists Early Decision I application due November 15, Early Decision II due January 5 and Regular Decision due January 5. Decision release dates are December 15, February 15 and April 1 respectively.

Q: How can I improve my Harvey Mudd application?

Improve your Harvey Mudd application by taking challenging math and science courses, completing calculus, chemistry and physics before enrollment, writing authentic supplemental essays, getting one STEM and one humanities/social sciences/arts recommendation, and applying only ED if HMC is your clear first choice.

🧪 Harvey Mudd acceptance rate 2026 guide

Harvey Mudd Acceptance Rate 2026: 12.3% Admit Rate, GPA, SAT, ACT & Admissions Guide

12.3%

Direct answer: Harvey Mudd College’s latest official first-year profile shows 5,224 applications and 645 admitted students, which equals an admit rate of about 12.3%. HMC enrolled 236 students, so the yield was about 36.6%.

Harvey Mudd is not just “selective.” It is selective in a very specific way: the college wants students who can handle an intense STEM core, write well, collaborate, ask for help and think about the social impact of science, engineering and mathematics.

This guide gives the useful answers first: acceptance rate, GPA strategy, SAT/ACT ranges, test optional rules, deadlines, essays, required courses, recommendations, cost, financial aid, checklist, FAQs and official links.

📊 Acceptance rate 📚 GPA & scores 📅 Deadlines ✅ Checklist

12.3% Latest admit rate

645 admitted from 5,224 applications in HMC’s Class of 2029 profile.

760–790 SAT Math middle 50%

Students who submit scores usually show extremely strong math readiness.

35–36 ACT middle 50%

Submitted ACT scores are near the top of the national range.

$104K 2026–27 on-campus COA

HMC lists $104,512 estimated on-campus cost of attendance.

Quick navigation for Harvey Mudd applicants

📊 Admit rate and yield 📚 GPA, SAT, ACT and test optional 📅 ED I, ED II and RD dates 🧮 Calculus, chemistry and physics ✍️ Essays and recommendations 💰 Cost and aid ✅ Application checklist ❓ 10 HMC FAQs

Harvey Mudd acceptance rate 2026: what the number means

Search intent	Official answer	What applicants should do
Harvey Mudd acceptance rate 2026	About 12.3%, using 645 admits from 5,224 applications.	Treat HMC as a high-reach STEM college, even with strong grades.
How many applied?	5,224 applications in the Class of 2029 profile.	Your file must quickly show math/science readiness and fit.
How many were admitted?	645 admitted students.	Do not rely on numbers alone; essays and course preparation matter.
How many enrolled?	236 enrolled students.	HMC builds a small class, so every admitted-student seat is competitive.
Yield rate	About 36.6% enrolled from admitted students.	Apply ED only if HMC is your clear first choice.

Harvey Mudd admissions reality = 12.3% admit rate + elite STEM preparation + strong writing + collaborative mindset + clear reason for HMC

Important: HMC’s admit rate is lower than many excellent universities because the class is small and applicants are usually strong in calculus, science, research, engineering, computing or advanced problem-solving.

Harvey Mudd GPA, SAT and ACT: what is competitive?

GPA answer

No published GPA cutoff. HMC reviews your academic record in context. The strongest applicants usually earn excellent grades in the hardest math, science and writing courses available.

SAT answer

SAT ERW 740–770; SAT Math 760–790 is the middle 50% range for submitted scores in the Class of 2029 profile.

ACT answer

ACT Composite 35–36 is the middle 50% range for submitted scores. Submit only if your score helps.

Test optional answer

HMC is ACT/SAT optional through 2026. Students are not disadvantaged if they cannot submit or choose not to submit scores.

Applicant situation	How HMC readers may see it	Action step
Top grades + advanced math/science	Strong fit with HMC’s academic intensity.	Use essays to prove purpose, collaboration and impact mindset.
High GPA but weak course rigor	HMC may question STEM readiness if hard courses were available but avoided.	Explain school context and show independent technical preparation.
SAT Math 760+	Score aligns with HMC’s submitted-score profile.	Submit if the full score supports your academic story.
ACT 35–36	Score aligns with HMC’s submitted-score profile.	Submit if consistent with transcript strength.
Lower test score	Could distract if submitted.	Use test optional if grades, rigor, essays and recommendations are stronger.
Merit scholarship applicant	HMC states standardized testing is not used for merit scholarship consideration.	Focus on application quality, academics, impact and fit.

Testing details: HMC has no preference between ACT and SAT, does not consider optional ACT writing or SAT essay, does not consider SAT Subject Tests, and allows self-reported scores.

Harvey Mudd application deadlines and decision dates

Plan	Application due	Decision release	Reply date	Use this plan when
Early Decision I	Nov. 15	Dec. 15	Jan. 8	HMC is your definite first choice and your application is ready early.
Early Decision II	Jan. 5	Feb. 15	Feb. 26	You need more time but still want a binding HMC plan.
Regular Decision	Jan. 5	Apr. 1	May 1	You want to compare offers, aid and other colleges.
Transfer	Mar. 15	May 5	Jun. 1	You are applying after college coursework elsewhere.

ED warning: HMC says Early Decision is for students who know it is their first choice. If admitted ED, students are expected to withdraw other applications and not start new ones.

Required STEM preparation: calculus, chemistry and physics

Harvey Mudd is a STEM-focused college, so course preparation matters more than a generic “good GPA.”

Required for enrollment One year of high school calculus, chemistry and physics.

If missing HMC may offer conditional admission requiring a one-semester college course with B or better.

Recommended Four years English, two years social sciences including history and two years foreign language.

Course area	Why it matters for HMC	Applicant action
Calculus	HMC’s core curriculum assumes serious math readiness.	Take the strongest calculus track available and keep grades high.
Chemistry	HMC requires chemistry preparation before enrollment.	Complete one year and show lab/science readiness if possible.
Physics	Physics preparation supports engineering, math, science and core coursework.	Take one year before graduation if available.
English/writing	HMC values communication and social impact, not only technical ability.	Use writing courses, essays and recommendations to show clear thinking.
Humanities/social sciences/arts	HMC requires one recommendation from this area.	Do not make the application feel one-dimensional or purely technical.

Best academic strategy: Show that you can succeed in advanced STEM while still writing clearly, collaborating well and understanding the human impact of technical work.

Harvey Mudd essays and recommendations: what actually matters

Required writing

HMC requires the Common App personal essay plus an additional essay and short-answer response.

Essay theme 1

HMC asks about experiences, values or communities that shape the problems you want to solve and the impact you want to make.

Essay theme 2

HMC asks about a time when asking for help made a difference in your work or wellbeing.

Recommendations

HMC requires one STEM teacher recommendation and one humanities, social sciences or arts teacher recommendation.

Essay / rec question	Weak approach	Stronger HMC approach
Why problem-solving?	Only saying “I love STEM.”	Explain a real problem you noticed, how your background shaped it and what impact matters.
Impact theme	Only listing awards.	Connect technical curiosity to people, ethics, community or real-world consequences.
Asking for help	Pretending you never struggle.	Show maturity, collaboration, humility and growth.
STEM recommendation	Teacher only says you got an A.	Teacher describes how you solve hard problems, ask questions and contribute to class.
HSA recommendation	Application feels only technical.	Teacher shows communication, writing, empathy, creativity or discussion skills.

Essay tip: Harvey Mudd is not looking for a robot who only solves equations. The application should show technical depth plus human context.

Harvey Mudd application materials students should prepare

Common Application $70 fee or waiver Common App essay HMC additional essay HMC short answer School Report Official high school transcript STEM teacher recommendation Humanities/social sciences/arts recommendation College transcript if applicable Optional ACT/SAT plan Financial aid forms if applying

Fee waiver note: HMC says fee waivers are available for students who demonstrate financial need, including Common App fee waivers and additional HMC fee waiver options.

Harvey Mudd cost and financial aid for 2026–2027

$76,879 Tuition

Listed 2026–2027 tuition in HMC’s cost of attendance.

$24,782 Housing + food

$13,293 housing and $11,489 food for on-campus budget.

$104,512 On-campus COA

Total 2026–2027 on-campus cost of attendance before aid.

98% Residential campus

HMC says 98% of students choose to live on campus all four years.

Cost item	2026–2027 on-campus amount	What families should know
Tuition	$76,879	Largest billed cost; do not compare colleges by tuition alone.
Student Body Fee	$401	Supports student activities and clubs.
Housing	$13,293	First-year students are required to live on campus.
Food	$11,489	Based on the 19-meal plan for aid budgeting.
Personal expenses	$1,400	Estimated non-billed expenses.
Books and supplies	$800	Actual costs vary by classes and materials.
Orientation fee	$250	Fall-only fee for entering first-year and transfer students.
Total on-campus COA	$104,512	Most families should use net price after aid, not sticker price only.

Net price rule: HMC says most students and families do not pay the full cost each year. Use the Net Price Calculator before ruling HMC in or out.

Harvey Mudd application checklist: scan before submitting

Start with the 12.3% reality HMC is a high-reach STEM college. Your application must show more than good grades.

Check course readiness Complete one year each of calculus, chemistry and physics before enrollment when possible.

Choose test plan carefully HMC is test optional through 2026. Submit scores only if they match the very high HMC range.

Ask the right teachers You need one STEM teacher and one humanities/social sciences/arts teacher recommendation.

Write the impact essay clearly Explain what problems you want to solve and why your background shapes that direction.

Do not fake perfection The asking-for-help prompt rewards maturity, honesty, collaboration and self-awareness.

Use ED only if HMC is first choice Early Decision is binding. Regular Decision is better if comparing financial aid is important.

Budget by net cost Compare aid estimates, COA, housing, food, insurance and travel before committing.

Office contact and campus details

Harvey Mudd College

301 Platt Blvd.
Claremont, CA 91711

Phone: 909.621.8000
Email: info@hmc.edu

Application help

HMC directs applicants to check Application FAQs before emailing the Office of Admission.

Admission email: admission@hmc.edu

Common mistakes that hurt Harvey Mudd applicants

Only focusing on the 12.3% rate: The number shows difficulty; the application still needs STEM depth and HMC fit.
Skipping calculus, chemistry or physics: These are enrollment requirements.
Submitting average test scores: HMC’s submitted-score range is extremely high.
Writing a generic STEM essay: HMC asks about problems, impact, values and community.
Sounding like you never need help: HMC’s short answer asks about asking for support.
Choosing weak recommenders: One STEM and one humanities/social sciences/arts recommendation are required.
Applying ED without cost clarity: ED is binding and not right for every family.
Ignoring financial aid forms: CSS Profile, FAFSA and IDOC dates differ by plan.
Assuming merit uses test scores: HMC states standardized testing is not used for merit scholarship consideration.
Making the application one-dimensional: Harvey Mudd values technical ability plus communication, collaboration and social impact.

Official Harvey Mudd links and sources

The key facts are included above. Use these official pages before final submission because deadlines, costs and policies can change.

Apply to Harvey Mudd

Official deadlines, test optional policy and first-year profile.

Open HMC Apply page

First-Year Applicants

Required materials, essays, recommendations and course preparation.

Open first-year page

Application FAQs

Fee waiver, missing materials, essays and process details.

Open application FAQs

Cost of Attendance

2026–2027 tuition, housing, food and full COA details.

Open cost page

Financial Aid

Net Price Calculator, aid portal and applying for aid.

Open financial aid page

Common Data Set

Official institutional statistics and CDS PDFs.

Open HMC Common Data Set

FAQs about Harvey Mudd acceptance rate 2026

What is the Harvey Mudd acceptance rate for 2026?

Harvey Mudd’s latest official first-year profile shows 5,224 applications and 645 admitted students, which equals about a 12.3% admit rate.

Is Harvey Mudd hard to get into?

Yes. Harvey Mudd is very selective because the admit rate is about 12.3%, the class is small and applicants are usually very strong in math, science and writing.

What GPA do you need for Harvey Mudd?

Harvey Mudd does not publish a guaranteed GPA cutoff. Competitive applicants usually have excellent grades in challenging courses, especially calculus, chemistry, physics and advanced STEM classes.

What SAT score is good for Harvey Mudd?

Harvey Mudd’s Class of 2029 middle 50% submitted SAT range is 740–770 ERW and 760–790 Math. Submit SAT only if it strengthens your file.

What ACT score is good for Harvey Mudd?

Harvey Mudd’s Class of 2029 middle 50% submitted ACT Composite range is 35–36, so submitted ACT scores should be extremely strong.

Is Harvey Mudd test optional for 2026?

Yes. Harvey Mudd says it extended its ACT/SAT optional pilot through 2026 and that students are not disadvantaged if they do not submit scores.

What are Harvey Mudd application deadlines?

Harvey Mudd lists Early Decision I due Nov. 15, Early Decision II due Jan. 5 and Regular Decision due Jan. 5.

What courses are required for Harvey Mudd enrollment?

Harvey Mudd lists one year of high school calculus, one year of chemistry and one year of physics as requirements for enrollment.

How much does Harvey Mudd cost?

Harvey Mudd lists 2026–2027 on-campus cost of attendance at $104,512, including tuition, student body fee, housing, food, personal expenses, books and orientation fee.

How can I improve my Harvey Mudd application?

Take rigorous STEM courses, complete calculus/chemistry/physics, write authentic essays, choose strong STEM and humanities recommendations, use test optional wisely and apply ED only if HMC is your clear first choice.