Pomona College’s talented and diverse Class of 2030, which arrived on campus last month, consists of 414 first-year students from across the country and the world. The new transfer cohort of 27 students includes 19 community college transfers, reflecting the multiple pathways to a Pomona education.
Among first-year students, a College record 29% will be the first in their families to earn a four-year undergraduate degree. This reflects Pomona’s mission to gather students of exceptional promise regardless of their background.
“Our new students reflect the best of what a liberal arts college can be: a community of students with a shared commitment to learning and making a positive impact,” says Jonathan B. Williams, vice president for admissions and financial aid. “From first-year students to transfer students, including veterans and community college transfers, each member of this class will help shape the intellectual and civic life of our campus.”
Pomona’s first-year students represent 42 states and 27 countries. International students make up 15% of the class, while 55% identify as domestic students of color.
The top states that new students hail from include California, New York, Texas, Illinois, Washington and Florida.
Commitment to Affordability
More than half of the incoming first-year students (63%) received financial aid in the form of grants and student employment. The amount of aid awarded to the Class of 2030, largely from endowment-funded grants, totaled $19.6M.
Pomona is one of fewer than 20 institutions that admits domestic students regardless of their family’s ability to pay for college and meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all students, while not including loans in financial aid awards.
The Class of 2030 brings an assortment of academic interests. Thirty percent of the class stated initial interest in pursuing studies in the natural sciences, 24% in social sciences, 21% in interdisciplinary fields, and 19% in humanities. Seven percent are undecided.
All Pomona students are able to utilize their first two years to explore the 48 majors Pomona offers before officially declaring a major by the end of their sophomore year.
New Transfer Students Joined Pomona’s Community This Fall
The transfer student cohort brings valuable perspectives to Pomona College’s community. This year, 27 transfer students enrolled, including 19 who transferred from community colleges. The group also includes four veterans, with both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy represented.
Reflecting the College’s commitment to access and affordability, 24 transfer students received institutional financial aid, ensuring that talented students from varied backgrounds can afford and pursue a Pomona education.
Pomona’s Approach to Admission
Pomona’s holistic review process goes beyond grades and activities. Instead, it considers the whole picture of the student to identify those who are exceptionally talented among a competitive and growing applicant pool. The College’s thorough review and committee-based evaluation processes ensure each application is considered based on many factors, and by several members of the admissions staff before a final decision is made.
Pomona’s Office of Admissions is guided by the College’s valued qualities. It seeks intellectually curious students with varied perspectives to create a transformational and collaborative learning environment.