Pitzer College, established in 1963, is a top-ranked liberal arts college and member of the Claremont Colleges consortium in California. Known for its progressive ethos and commitment to social responsibility, Pitzer emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, cultural understanding, and environmental sustainability. The college's distinctive educational approach includes community engagement and study abroad opportunities integrated into the curriculum. Pitzer is particularly strong in environmental analysis, psychology, and organizational studies. The college's 35-acre campus features sustainable architecture and the Robert Redford Conservancy for Southern California Sustainability.
Pitzer's commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its student body and curriculum. The college's New Resources program serves non-traditional students returning to education. As part of the Claremont Colleges, Pitzer students enjoy small college intimacy with access to the resources of a larger university. Alumni include social entrepreneurs, environmental activists, and leaders in education who carry forward Pitzer's values of social justice and global citizenship.
Pitzer College Acceptance Rate
Pitzer College is a renowned institution with a very competitive admission profile. The acceptance rate of 16.66% indicates that only 17 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Strong Academics: A consistent record of A-level performance is expected.
- Score Validation: High SAT/ACT scores can help compensate for minor GPA fluctuations.
- Engagement: Admissions staff look for sustained commitment to 2-3 key extracurricular activities.
While academics are a primary focus, Pitzer College considers your entire profile. A well-crafted personal statement and strong interpersonal communication skills can significantly enhance your chances of moving forward in the selection process.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .
Pitzer College Admission Requirements
Pitzer College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Pitzer College is 3.93. This indicates extreme selectivity in admissions.
To have strong chances, you must aim for straight A’s in all courses.
If your GPA is between 3.63 and 3.93, then you need a high SAT or ACT score to compensate.
Pitzer College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Extreme selectivity; requires elite academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: High Course Rigor (AP/IB/Honors) to validate the grade.
Admissions at Pitzer College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.93, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 3.93 – 4.00 | Academic Target | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| 3.73 – 3.92 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| 3.53 – 3.72 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below 3.52 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Pitzer College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Pitzer College SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Pitzer College Profile
Name: Pitzer College
City: Claremont
State: California
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 91711-6101
Campus: Main
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At Pitzer College, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.
Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.
Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.
Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.
Does a degree from Pitzer College Worth It?
Getting into Pitzer College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Pitzer College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision. Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Pitzer College is USD: 75882.08 and unemployment rate is 4.09%.
How much does a degree from Pitzer College Cost?The average annual cost of the degree at Pitzer College is USD: 82832. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Pitzer College is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
10.15% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 21.7 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Pitzer College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Pitzer College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Pitzer College as your choice in the form.
How much a Pitzer College Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 69512. An average Pitzer College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems
- Anthropology
- Area Studies
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Chemistry
Frequently Asked Questions About Pitzer College Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $69512 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $82832 or more per year for out-of-state students, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: What is the acceptance rate?
Answer: The acceptance rate of Pitzer College is 16.66 which is low, typically between 10% and 20%. Admission is very competitive, and a strong academic profile is necessary.
Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.93. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Answer: While there is no single 'cutoff' that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.63, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.63, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
Question: What are my chances with a 3.63 GPA?
Answer: If your GPA is 3.53 or less, it may makes admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
Question: Can I apply to Pitzer College if my GPA is below 3.53
Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.93, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by Pitzer College.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.