Students pay CMC tuition ($31,900 in 2023-2024) plus $8,000 double/$10,000 single in the CMC provided, two-bedroom, four-students, furnished apartments. Because meals are not provided, student's CMC invoice does not include the cost of meals for the Washington Program. Instead, students use the money they would have paid for the meal plan at CMC to offset the cost of grocery shopping, living and commuting when in DC. Students from other Claremont Colleges should check with their home institution for financial policies.
Financial aid awards, grants, scholarships, and loans “travel” with CMC students on the Washington Program. Students from other Claremont Colleges should check with their home institution for Financial Aid policies.
Washington DC Semester Estimated Budget for Financial Aid purposes:
Tuition (2023-2024 semester) Room Board (estimated) Books (estimated) Personal (estimated) Round-Trip Airfare Public Transportation (in DC)
| $31,900 $ 8,000/$10,000 $ 3,200.00 $ 600.00 $ 1,200.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 500.00 |
For additional information regarding specific loans and aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Budgeting
Because CMC provides furnished apartments, thus alleviating the largest expense in DC, students should plan to budget according to their individual tastes and inclination. Costs such as airline tickets, cell phones, gym memberships, dry cleaning, etc. are at the individual student's discretion. Packing lunches and bulk shopping will help lower the overall expenses, as will regular preparation of meals in the apartment. Transportation options in Washington, D.C. include buses, Metro, taxis, Uber, Lyft, biking, and walking. Expenses will vary depending on the mode of transportation and location of the student’s internship.
Entertainment is another important budget item. Many museums and monuments are free, and the Kennedy Center has free live entertainment every night, but there are other options at various costs available throughout the DC area. Part of the Washington, D.C. experience is sampling the wide variety of restaurants, not all of which are overly expensive. For those over the age of 21, bars and clubs are a big part of the Washington, D.C. scene; some places offer specials or have no cover charges. Be sure to bring your student I.D. in order to take advantage of discounts at movies, shows, and certain exhibits.
Other expenses to plan for include cleaning and laundry supplies, outside activities, travel around the city, a winter coat, a professional wardrobe, and shipping accumulated items home at the end of the semester.
Scholarships
Special awards are available each semester for outstanding interviews to CMC participants in the Washington Program. The Margaret Martin Brock Internship Award and the Claremont McKenna Internship Award are available for up to two students each. The selection process occurs during interviews. Award recipients receive the funds through direct deposit either prior to or just after arrival in Washington, D.C.