Program Costs

Students pay CMC tuition ($30,240 per semester during the '22-'23 academic year) plus $7,000 for CMC provided, furnished apartments. Because meals are not provided, there is no charge for Board while on the Washington Program.  Instead, students use the board money not paid to CMC to purchase groceries and cover living and commuting expenses 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.  Due to the increased cost of CMC provided apartments DC, CMC students receiving need-based aid are awarded an additional $2,000.00 for a DC cost of living adjustment. Students from other Claremont Colleges should check with their home institution for Financial Aid policies. 

Washington DC Semester Estimated Budget for Financial Aid purposes:

For additional information regarding specific loans and aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Budgeting

Because CMC provides furnished apartments, thus alleviating the biggest expense in DC, students should plan to budget according to their individual tastes and inclination.  Costs such as 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.

Travel Allowances 

CMC will either provide a round-trip, economy airline ticket to the program and return for the program dates through our travel agent or reimburse students after program completion for up to a specified amount towards the cost of a student purchased ticket.  The provided ticket or reimbursement may include the cost of luggage up to the maximum reimbursement amount determined each semester. Because of federal tax regulations, CMC can only reimburse students for actual expenses, so students must provide receipts in order to be reimbursed. Travel costs accumulated on school breaks are not eligible for reimbursement. Students traveling by car, train, or bus may also receive reimbursement up to the maximum travel allowance.  More information on how to claim reimbursement and recommendations for Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. travel logistics will be provided during the orientation meetings.

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 after arrival in Washington, D.C.