Diversity & Access at Pomona

At Pomona, diversity is crucial to our educational mission. Students enter with widely divergent backgrounds and experiences. Our 1,732 students come from all 50 states (as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico) and more than 60 countries outside of the United States. Over half identify as domestic students of color and more than 20% are in the first generation of their family to attend a four-year college or university. Students at Pomona engage with, and learn from, peers, faculty, staff and community members whose identities and perspectives may differ considerably from–and even challenge–theirs. This complex intersection of identities and perspectives enriches the larger academic and social communities at Pomona

Access to Apply

The Office of Admissions is deeply committed to admitting a class of individuals who bring a rich, broad set of experiences to the Pomona classroom and beyond. We understand that this is only possible if students from all backgrounds have access to connect/visit and apply with ease. It’s why we offer intentional programs and policies such as:

• A fall fly-in program, Perspectives on Pomona (POP), that brings to campus prospective first-year students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in higher education at no cost.
• A no-hassle fee waiver policy requiring no additional documentation. Simply select the option that is right for you:

  • You can indicate on your application (Common Application or Coalition Application) that you qualify for a fee waiver, and we will waive your fee. Please note that applicants submitting a QuestBridge Application for the National College Match will have their fee waived automatically.

     

• You can submit a Pomona Access Pass if you plan to apply for financial aid and the application fee presents a hardship for you or your family.
• A holistic review process focused on understanding the qualities students possess and will bring with them to Pomona- with consideration of resources available to them.
• A need-blind application review process in which financial need does not affect admissions decisions for U.S. citizens, permanent residents and/or for students graduating from a high school in the United States.
• A permanent test-optional policy that gives applicants the option to self-report SAT or ACT test scores on the application.

Commitment to Affordability

Pomona College is one of a handful of institutions committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need of any admitted student eligible for need-based financial aid.

• 56% of students receive financial aid
• $72,099 average financial aid package (figure is for 2024-25)
• Estimate your aid in just three minutes with the MyIntuition Calculator!

Empowering Support & Resources for Success

Pomona is a campus with a strong strategic and institutional commitment to diversity. A persistent dedication to support its community of probing thinkers, creative learners, and committed community-builders, from all backgrounds, is demonstrated through:

• A commitment to enrolling and supporting:
  • undocumented students since 2007, through admissions and financial aid policies that remove barriers.
  • veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, exemplified by our membership in the Yellow Ribbon Program and partnership with Service to School's VetLink.
• Peer mentorship through students' residential communities or shared identities.
• Academic Support Resources that connect students with peers and professionals offering instruction in every discipline or coaching in general study or research skills.
• Career Resources designed to meet students' individual needs and aspirations.
• Accessibility Resources and Services dedicated to providing equal access and accommodations for students.

Feel free to contact access@pomona.edu with any questions.