Forbes Lists Pomona College as No. 1 Liberal Arts College in the Nation

News Release — August 16, 2019 — Forbes named Southern California’s Pomona College as the nation’s top liberal arts college in its annual list released today. Pomona ranks No. 12 in the overall list of 2019 America’s Top Colleges and No. 3 in the west.

Two other Southern California colleges made the top 15 liberal arts colleges, Harvey Mudd College at No. 3 and Claremont McKenna College at No. 7.

Forbes “America’s Top Colleges 2019” rankings are based on a return-on-investment focus that is based on outcomes, from student satisfaction, to graduating on time, student debt incurred and post-graduation job prospects.

Located in Claremont, Calif., Pomona College is one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges. Established in 1887, Pomona is the founding member of The Claremont Colleges and is known for its quality academic programs, a challenging curriculum, close relationships between students and faculty and a range of student research and leadership opportunities.

With 48 majors in the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences, as well as interdisciplinary studies, Pomona College is one the top producers of U.S. Fulbright students and scholars. Pomona students may supplement the College’s already comprehensive curriculum by taking classes at any of the undergraduate Claremont Colleges. The more than 2,700 courses available include intercollegiate majors and a wide range of language offerings.

Pomona College is one of a handful of institutions in the country that practices need-blind admissions and provides need-based financial aid. Financial aid packages are comprised of grants, scholarships and a small work stipend. While loans are available, Pomona does not use loans to meet a student’s financial need. More than half of Pomona students receive financial aid and the average award is $48,930.

Some of Pomona’s notable alumni include Aditya Sood, producer of The Martian and Deadpool; Jennifer Doudna, pioneering biochemist and founder of CRISPR; and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).