Claremont Graduate University is like no other graduate-level university in the nation. Founded in 1925, CGU is an independent institution devoted entirely to graduate study.
Claremont Graduate University (CGU) Distance Learning Courses
October 14, 1887 - Pomona College is founded. Prior to James Blaisdell’s Group Plan for what would later become The Claremont Colleges, this was the first institution to break ground.
October 14, 1925 - Thirty-eight years later, what would eventually become Claremont Graduate University is incorporated as part of the new coordinating institution: Claremont Colleges.
Education
Online Masters
Masters
Doctoral
Interdisciplinary Concentration
Dual Degree
Certificate and Non-Degree
Credential
Joint Degree
Research
At Claremont Graduate University, we undertake ambitious and innovative research that spans disciplinary boundaries and results in new ways of seeing and improving the world.
Claremont Graduate University is classified by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education as R2: Doctoral Research University, Higher Research Activity.
Career
Graduate school is a great way to propel yourself toward a meaningful career. At Claremont Graduate University, we help you cultivate the knowledge and the network to land that career, whether in the private sector, academia, nonprofit, or government.
Your journey begins the moment you set foot on campus. From day one, we provide the career resources to help you design an achievable career plan, and you provide the self-assessment, diligence, and ingenuity to execute it. Many of our programs let you work in the field even while you’re a student, giving you a competitive advantage upon graduation.
Claremont Graduate University (CGU)Key Statistics & Highlights
#2007Ranking
9 Courses
2,038Students
446Students (int'l)
1,157Students (female)
Student services
The Office of Student Life, Diversity & Leadership is your center for a wide range of programs that strengthen the cultural, intellectual, and social well-being of our campus.
Our office works to engage students, faculty, and staff in ways that promote and develop an inclusive and diverse environment. Beyond raising awareness of issues, SLDL helps the CGU community attain our shared values by advocating for social justice and working to institutionalize policies of equity and inclusion into the fabric of the university.
Housing services
There are two options a short walk from the CGU campus.
Claremont Collegiate Apartments offers one-bedroom and studio apartment options for CGU students and undergraduates from nearby colleges.
The Oasis Residential Commons is for graduate students only and includes classroom and group meeting spaces, a gym, swimming pool, study rooms, lounges, and much more.
Library services
The Honnold/Mudd Library houses the main library collections for The Claremont Colleges. The collections in the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences include nearly 2 million volumes and the library also has extensive holdings of journals, magazines, and newspapers, providing access to articles in over 70,000 periodicals.
ICT services
The Office of Information Technology at Claremont Graduate University provides strategic technology solutions in order to support CGU's mission of preparing a diverse group of outstanding individuals to assume leadership roles in the worldwide community through research, teaching, and practice in selected fields.
Medical services
At Student Health Services (SHS) well-trained doctors, nurse practitioners, and medical support staff provide full-service care, including laboratory and basic imaging, dispensary, and immunizations. Appointments scheduled in advance are offered at no charge to students. Labs, imaging, and limited prescriptions are available at reasonable fees.
Campus life
Living in student housing is the best way to take advantage of all that The Claremont Colleges have to offer:
Four libraries
Five cafeterias
Three gyms
Health and counseling centers
Athletic facilities
Ethnic centers
Interfaith chaplaincy
Performing arts complex
Cafes and more
Sports facilities
The undergraduate Claremont Colleges are home to several gyms that offer membership to CGU students.
Pitzer College’s Gold Student Health & Wellness Center is open to all students at no charge and offers yoga and Pilates studios, gym, pool, and an array of fitness classes.
Rains Athletic Center at Pomona College has weight and cardio rooms, a swimming pool, basketball courts, as well as track and tennis courts with limited public availability.
The Sallie Tiernan Field House at Scripps College offers a gym, pool, soccer field, martial arts, yoga, and a group fitness room that accommodates aerobic, cardio-kickboxing, Pilates, and more.
Student clubs
Association of Women’s Studies in Religion
CGU Advocates for Survivors of Sexual Violence
CGU Christian Fellowship
CGU Consulting Club
Coalition for Hope
DrPh Peer Support Group
Society for Philosophy and Religion at Claremont
Soka Gakkai International: USA Buddhists Club
Women in Leadership Association
Accreditation
Claremont Graduate University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) through June 2022. WSCUC is a nonprofit organization that evaluates the quality and educational effectiveness of schools, colleges, and universities. Institutions must maintain accreditation status to be eligible to receive federal financial aid and for other accredited schools to accept transfer units.
Claremont Graduate University (CGU)Overview
Claremont Graduate University (CGU)Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 19%United States
Top 28.3%Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Best Global Universities Rankings
2007
By U.S. News & World Report
Dropped 152 places compared to 2026
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
2025
2026
2027
1805
1855
2007
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Claremont Graduate University (CGU)Student Reviews & Awards
4
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4/5
A fulfilling graduate research experience
I've always felt respected and enjoyed my interactions with faculty, particularly my advisor and others I work closely with. The academic preparation has been top notch and very fulfilling to me. I definitely feel the school equipped me with the skills to validly pursue and answer my scientific questions. CGU's campus pales in comparison to several of the undergrad campuses nearby, but there is access to several things on the undergrad campuses which helps raise CGU's campus specifically. The financial aid (or lack thereof) has always been problematic to me. CGU and southern CA are NOT cheap, and I feel they could do more to help students financially. But it's been a great experience overall for me.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromSep 2024 - May 2026
Posted onAug 2026
4/5
Collaborative Claremont Culture
Claremont Graduate University offers a collaborative and innovative environment especially in the Drucker Institute. Their focus on leadership, ethics and social responsibility enriches both learning and growth.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromAug 2023 - Dec 2024
Posted onJul 2025
4/5
No title
Navigating the Complexities of Public Policy: A Journey to Leadership
Embarking on my doctoral journey in Public Policy at Claremont Graduate University marks a significant milestone in my diverse academic career. Transitioning from a background in laboratory science to political science and peace and conflict studies, I’ve experienced firsthand how seemingly disparate fields can intersect to create a rich understanding of complex societal issues.
My journey began as a lab technician, where I meticulously took blood samples and identified anomalies. This experience taught me the importance of precision and attention to detail. Now, as I delve into political science and peace studies, I apply the same analytical mindset to examine societies, policies, and conflict dynamics. The goal remains consistent: to diagnose issues and propose effective solutions.
This interdisciplinary approach has been eye-opening. I specialize in borderlands and boundaries, where I explore the nuances of conflict and cooperation. Here, I’ve learned that the skills I acquired in the laboratory are not only applicable but invaluable in a policy context. Both realms require a curious mind and a keen eye for patterns that others might overlook.
As I begin my studies at Claremont, I recognize that knowledge is never wasted. Each experience shapes my perspective and enhances my ability to contribute meaningfully to public policy. For those who may feel uncertain about their academic or career path, remember: it doesn’t have to fit a conventional mold. What truly matters is how you harness your unique experiences to drive change.
I am excited about the opportunities ahead and eager to leverage my background in research and analysis to influence policy and promote peace, healing, and understanding in our complex world.