Harvey Mudd College is a private undergraduate institution in Claremont, California, ranked #10 among National Liberal Arts Colleges in the US News 2026 edition. Founded in 1955, the college operates as one of five undergraduate members of the Claremont Colleges consortium.
Harvey Mudd College offers only Bachelor of Science degrees across seven departments spanning computer science, engineering, physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. Every programme is taught in English, and the campus draws students from over 45 states and multiple countries. Indian applicants join through the Common Application for one Fall intake per year, choosing among Early Decision I, Early Decision II or Regular Decision rounds. Enrolment holds steady at roughly 900 undergraduates, with a small international cohort each year.
- US News Rank: #10 National Liberal Arts Colleges 2026
- Acceptance Rate: 12.3% (Class of 2029)
- Intake: Fall (August), one intake per year
- Annual Tuition 2026-27: USD 76,879 (INR 72.65 lakh)
- Total Cost of Attendance: USD 104,512 (INR 98.76 lakh) per year
- Median Starting Salary: USD 112,500 (INR 106.31 lakh)
Also Check: Study in USA for Indian Students
Harvey Mudd College meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for a limited number of admitted international students, and the So International Scholarship goes to one entering international student each year. Indian applicants enrol on the F-1 student visa, and Bachelor of Science graduates qualify for a 36-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension in STEM roles.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). Early Decision I closes on 15 November 2026 and both Early Decision II and Regular Decision close on 5 January 2027. Indian applicants seeking financial aid must complete the CSS Profile alongside the Common Application by the same round deadline. Late applications are not reviewed.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Harvey Mudd 2027
- Harvey Mudd College Admission 2027
- Harvey Mudd College Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Harvey Mudd College Acceptance Rate 2027
- Harvey Mudd Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Harvey Mudd College Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Harvey Mudd College Scholarships 2027
- Harvey Mudd College Rankings 2027
- Harvey Mudd College Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Harvey Mudd College vs Peer Universities
- Harvey Mudd College FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Harvey Mudd 2027
Harvey Mudd fees for undergraduate programmes sit at a flat USD 76,879 per year across all Bachelor of Science majors for the 2026-27 cycle. Every degree runs four years, is taught in English, and combines a common technical core with a chosen department major.
The table below lists the top five Bachelor of Science tracks Indian applicants target, with the flat annual tuition, four-year total and Class 12 entry benchmark.
| Program | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Science and Mathematics | 76,879 | 72.65 lakh | Class 12 with 90% or above (recommended) |
| BS Computer Science | 76,879 | 72.65 lakh | Class 12 with 90% or above (recommended) |
| BS Engineering | 76,879 | 72.65 lakh | Class 12 with 90% or above (recommended) |
| BS Physics | 76,879 | 72.65 lakh | Class 12 with 90% or above (recommended) |
| BS Chemistry and Biology | 76,879 | 72.65 lakh | Class 12 with 90% or above (recommended) |
[Source: Harvey Mudd College Division of Campus Operations, 2026-27 charge schedule]
Insider note: Indian applicants overwhelmingly pick Computer Science, Engineering and the joint CS and Mathematics track. The BS Engineering major is unusual for a liberal arts college and covers a broad general-engineering curriculum without early specialisation, which suits students who want to keep aerospace, mechanical and electrical options open.
Read More: Harvey Mudd Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Harvey Mudd College Admission 2027
Harvey Mudd College admission runs one Fall intake per year, with Early Decision I, Early Decision II and Regular Decision rounds. Indian applicants apply through the Common Application or Coalition Application.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I deadline | 15 November 2026 | Binding commitment on acceptance |
| Early Decision II deadline | 5 January 2027 | Binding commitment on acceptance |
| Regular Decision deadline | 5 January 2027 | Non-binding, largest applicant pool |
| Credential verification (WES) | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Transcripts must be attested and translated where required |
| Fall term start | Late August 2027 | Orientation for international students runs the week prior |
[Source: Harvey Mudd Office of Admission, Apply page]
Financial-aid applications for Indian students follow the same round deadlines, and both the CSS Profile and Harvey Mudd Financial Aid Application must be filed alongside the Common Application. Refer to the wider US application deadlines for international applicants when planning parallel applications.
Planning note: Indian applicants aiming at Early Decision I should begin WES credential verification by early September of the applying year. Delays with Class 11 and Class 12 mark sheet attestation at the CBSE regional office add two to three weeks and are the single most common reason for missed deadlines.
Read More: Harvey Mudd College Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Harvey Mudd College Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Harvey Mudd College admission requirements for Indian applicants centre on Class 12 academic strength, an English proficiency test and standard supporting documents. SAT and ACT scores remain test-optional through the 2027 admission cycle.
- Academic: Class 12 with 90% or above (recommended) in CBSE, ISC or state-board equivalents, with strong mathematics and science grades
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 100 or IELTS Academic 7.5 or Duolingo English Test 130 or Cambridge C1 Advanced 190
- Test scores (optional): SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 740 to 770, SAT Math 760 to 790, ACT Composite 35 to 36 for the middle 50% of admits
- Documents: Two teacher recommendations, one counsellor recommendation, official transcripts, Common Application essay and USD 70 application fee
The English test waiver applies where the medium of instruction has been English for two or more years, which covers most CBSE and ICSE candidates. Indian applicants should still verify the waiver in writing with the Office of Admission before skipping the test.
Key insight: Test-optional does not mean test-blind. Indian applicants without SAT or ACT scores must show academic strength through Board grades, olympiad participation, research work or a Common Application essay that anchors the technical trajectory clearly.
Harvey Mudd College Acceptance Rate 2027
Harvey Mudd College acceptance rate stood at 12.3% for the Class of 2029, based on 643 admits from a pool of 5,217 applicants. Figures for the Class of 2030 have not yet been publicly released as of September 2026.
| Admission Cycle | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Class of 2029 (Fall 2025 entry) | 12.3% | Stable |
| Class of 2028 (Fall 2024 entry) | 13.2% (estimated) | Slight tightening |
[Source: Harvey Mudd College admission data]
Early Decision rounds historically report a higher accept rate than Regular Decision at Harvey Mudd. International applicants applying for financial aid face a functionally stricter bar, as need-aware review reduces the aid-seeker admit pool.
Reality check: Indian applicants with a strong Class 12 profile, olympiad medals and research or open-source work sit competitively within the 12% band. Applicants relying on grades alone find the odds narrower, and Early Decision I remains the highest-yield round for candidates who can commit.
Read More: US News-Ranked Universities in USA
Harvey Mudd Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual investment at Harvey Mudd for Indian students runs to USD 104,512 (INR 98.76 lakh) for the 2026-27 cycle, covering tuition, mandatory fees, on-campus housing and food.
Harvey Mudd Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Tuition applies uniformly across all Bachelor of Science majors. Mandatory fees include a student body fee and a first-year orientation charge.
| Charge | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 76,879 | 72.65 lakh |
| Student body fee | 401 | 0.38 lakh |
| New student orientation (first year only) | 250 | 0.24 lakh |
Annual Cost of Living in Claremont for Indian Students
Harvey Mudd requires residence on campus for the standard eight-month academic year, and figures below come from the official Cost of Attendance sheet.
| Category | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (on-campus) | 13,293 | 12.56 lakh |
| Food (19-meal plan) | 11,489 | 10.86 lakh |
| Books and supplies | 800 | 0.76 lakh |
| Personal expenses | 1,400 | 1.32 lakh |
| Total living costs | 26,982 | 25.50 lakh |
[Source: Harvey Mudd College Cost of Attendance 2026-27]
Insider note: The 19-meal plan is mandatory for first-year students and covers three meals a day at the shared consortium dining halls. Second-year students can downgrade to smaller plans, and hidden costs to budget for include travel to Los Angeles, winter clothing for high desert nights and a laptop upgrade for engineering coursework.
Harvey Mudd College Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Harvey Mudd College sits on a 33-acre campus in Claremont, roughly 55 kilometres east of central Los Angeles, and shares dining halls, libraries and clubs with the four other Claremont Colleges.
- Location and access: Claremont Metrolink station links to Downtown Los Angeles in 55 minutes; LAX airport is a 75-minute drive
- Housing: Housing on campus is guaranteed for all four years, and roughly 98% of undergraduates live in residence halls
- Facilities: The R. Michael Shanahan Center holds robotics and engineering labs, and students share the Claremont Colleges library system across all five campuses
- Indian community: The South Asian Society at the 5C consortium hosts Diwali, Holi and cultural events across the Claremont Colleges
What Indian students say: Class sizes stay small, with most technical courses capped near 20 students, and named faculty teach undergraduates directly. Cross-registration at Pomona, Scripps, Claremont McKenna and Pitzer opens humanities and languages options that a standalone STEM school cannot match.
Harvey Mudd College Scholarships 2027
Harvey Mudd College scholarships for Indian applicants combine one merit-based international award with need-based aid that meets 100% of demonstrated need for a limited number of admits.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| So International Scholarship | Merit | Verify at official page | One entering international student per year, awarded regardless of financial need | Automatic review with admission application |
| Harvey Mudd Need-Based Aid | Need | Meets 100% of demonstrated need | International admits who file CSS Profile and Harvey Mudd Financial Aid Application | Aligned with admission round |
| Harvey Mudd Grants | Institutional | Varies by need assessment | Awarded within the need-based aid package, no separate application | Aligned with admission round |
[Source: Harvey Mudd College Office of Financial Aid]
Planning note: International aid at Harvey Mudd is need-aware, which means aid requests do factor into the admission decision. Indian applicants who require full aid should treat the application as a two-track case, with academic strength and demonstrated fit compensating for the higher institutional cost.
Read More: Universities in USA for Indian Students
Harvey Mudd College Rankings 2027
Harvey Mudd rankings sit strongest in United States national listings, where the college moved into the US News top 10 National Liberal Arts Colleges for the first time in the 2026 edition. Global research rankings from QS, THE and US News Best Global Universities do not include the college, as those tables focus on research output that pure undergraduate liberal arts colleges do not report.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News National Liberal Arts Colleges | 2026: #10 | 2025: #12 | 2024: #12 (estimated) |
| TIME America’s Best Colleges | 2026-27: #3 | NA | NA |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| THE World University Rankings | Not ranked in THE 2026 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| US News Best Global Universities | Not ranked in 2026-27 edition | Not ranked | Not ranked |
[Source: US News, TIME, QS, THE]
The TIME America’s Best Colleges 2026-27 list placed Harvey Mudd at #3 nationwide across all colleges and universities, and PayScale has previously ranked Harvey Mudd first among United States institutions for early-career salaries.
Key insight: Indian applicants and Indian employers used to QS or THE names should recognise that United States liberal arts colleges compete in a separate US News table. Harvey Mudd’s #10 National Liberal Arts Colleges rank is functionally equivalent to a global top 100 position when signalling academic strength to Indian graduate schools and technology employers.
Read More: Harvey Mudd College Rankings Analysis
Harvey Mudd College Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Harvey Mudd placements for Indian students sit at the top of United States undergraduate outcomes, with roughly 60% of seniors entering full-time employment straight after graduation and the rest heading to graduate school or research fellowships.
- Median starting salary: USD 112,500 (INR 106.31 lakh) per year, one of the highest reported for any United States undergraduate institution
- Mid-career earnings: USD 115,107 (INR 108.78 lakh) six years post-graduation, per PayScale outcomes data
- Top hiring sectors: Technology, quantitative finance, aerospace, biotechnology and defence engineering, with representative employers including Google, Apple, SpaceX, NASA and Meta
- Career services: The Office of Career Services runs one-to-one advising, on-campus recruiter visits and a technical resume workshop tailored to Bachelor of Science profiles
- Graduate school pathway: Around 20% of graduates enter PhD programmes within five years, with STEM disciplines dominating destinations
Insider note: Indian graduates historically move into technology and quantitative finance roles in the Bay Area and New York. The 36-month OPT extension for STEM majors gives Indian graduates a longer runway to secure H-1B sponsorship compared with non-STEM peers at other liberal arts colleges.
Harvey Mudd College vs Peer Universities
Indian applicants weighing Harvey Mudd typically shortlist a small set of United States peers with either strong Bachelor of Science engineering, Claremont Colleges proximity or top liberal arts standing. The comparison below uses US News ranks for the 2026 edition, since QS World rankings do not cover most liberal arts colleges.
| University | US News Rank 2026 | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvey Mudd College | #10 National Liberal Arts | 72.65 lakh | STEM-only liberal arts, roughly 900 students |
| California Institute of Technology | #7 National Universities | NA | Research-heavy STEM, larger doctoral cohort |
| Pomona College | #3 National Liberal Arts | NA | Sister Claremont consortium school, broad curriculum |
| Williams College | #1 National Liberal Arts | NA | Top liberal arts college, humanities and social sciences depth |
| Swarthmore College | #4 National Liberal Arts | NA | Engineering minor plus classic liberal arts breadth |
[Source: US News 2026, Harvey Mudd tuition sheet]
Harvey Mudd stands out for Indian applicants who want a small campus, direct faculty access and a technical undergraduate core, without stepping into the scale of Caltech or MIT. The lower student count also means named professors teach every technical class from first year onwards.
Key insight: Cross-registration across the Claremont Colleges lets Harvey Mudd students take humanities, economics and languages at Pomona, Scripps, Claremont McKenna and Pitzer. That flexibility is closer to a mid-size university experience than a standalone Bachelor of Science school.
Harvey Mudd College suits Indian Class 12 completers with strong mathematics and science profiles who want a Bachelor of Science degree, small-class teaching and a clear pathway into United States technology and research roles. Annual investment of INR 98.76 lakh is balanced by a median starting salary of INR 106.31 lakh, and STEM graduates access the 36-month OPT extension on the F-1 student visa.
The college is not a fit for applicants seeking large-university sports culture, professional undergraduate degrees in business or law, or a low-cost United States pathway. Indian students who want engineering with lower fees and broader course scale should look at public flagships or the University of California system as realistic alternatives.
Harvey Mudd College FAQs
Ques. Is Harvey Mudd College test-optional for Indian applicants in 2027?
Ans. Yes, Harvey Mudd College remains test-optional through the 2027 admission cycle for SAT and ACT scores. Indian applicants can apply without either test. English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test or Cambridge C1 Advanced is still required unless the medium of instruction has been English for two or more years, in which case a written waiver from the admission office is available.
Ques. How can Indian students apply for the So Scholarship at Harvey Mudd?
Ans. The So International Scholarship at Harvey Mudd requires no separate application. Every international applicant, including Indian candidates, is reviewed automatically during the standard admission process. One recipient is selected each entering class based on academic performance shown in the application, and the award is renewed for the second year on maintaining a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA.
Ques. What is the application fee for Harvey Mudd College in 2027?
Ans. Harvey Mudd College charges an application fee of USD 70, roughly INR 6,615 at the September 2026 exchange rate, payable through the Common Application or Coalition Application. Fee waivers are available for candidates who demonstrate financial hardship, and Indian applicants can request one through their high school counsellor or directly through the Common Application waiver process.
Ques. Can international students work on campus at Harvey Mudd College?
Ans. Yes, Harvey Mudd College supports on-campus employment for international students on the F-1 visa. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. Common roles include research assistantships, tutoring at the Academic Excellence programme, dining hall shifts and administrative support in academic departments. Federal work-study is not available to Indian applicants.
Ques. Which majors at Harvey Mudd are most popular for Indian students?
Ans. Indian students at Harvey Mudd concentrate in Computer Science, Engineering, and the joint Computer Science and Mathematics track. The BS Engineering programme is a broad general-engineering degree with no early specialisation, which appeals to applicants weighing aerospace, mechanical and electrical branches. Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics majors also attract Indian applicants planning PhD study.
Ques. How does the Claremont consortium benefit Harvey Mudd students?
Ans. Harvey Mudd shares dining halls, library systems and cross-registration privileges with Pomona, Scripps, Claremont McKenna and Pitzer. Indian students can take humanities, economics, film and languages classes on the other four campuses without extra tuition, opening course scale closer to a mid-size university. Cultural clubs, including the South Asian Society, also run across all five schools.
Ques. Are Indian applicants eligible for federal financial aid at Harvey Mudd?
Ans. No, Indian applicants are not eligible for United States federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and federal student loans, as those require citizenship or eligible non-citizen status. Harvey Mudd institutional aid does apply, and the college meets 100% of demonstrated need for a limited number of admitted international students who complete the CSS Profile and the Harvey Mudd Financial Aid Application.
Ques. Does Harvey Mudd College accept Class 12 CBSE results for admission?
Ans. Yes, Harvey Mudd College accepts Class 12 results from CBSE, ISC and recognised state boards. Applicants submit official transcripts through their school counsellor along with predicted grades if final results are pending. Credential evaluation through WES is recommended for accurate GPA conversion, and mark sheets must be attested and translated into English if not already issued in English.
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Harvey Mudd College Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 95,580/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 2.4 L/Yr$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 95,580/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 3.8 L/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based |
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Harvey Mudd College Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.hmc.edu/admission/apply/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Harvey Mudd College Exam Scores
| Exams | Avg. Score | Min Score | Max. Score | %Submitted' |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||||
| SAT | 1520 | 1470 | 1570 | 66 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 745 | 720 | 770 | - |
| Mathematics | 775 | 750 | 800 | - |
| ACT | 34 | 33 | 35 | 59 |
| Check Detailed Score | ||||
| English | 34 | 33 | 35 | - |
| Mathematics | 34 | 33 | 35 | - |
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Harvey Mudd College Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1447 | 1217 | 230 | - |



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There is no waiver for the IELTS/TOEFL examination. However, you can directly contact the university admission office to see if they can assist.