Pitzer College

Founded in 1963 as the fourth Claremont College and initially a women's school until going co-ed in 1970, Pitzer emerged from philanthropist Russell K. Pitzer's vision to create a liberal arts haven emphasizing social responsibility amid California's post-war boom. You'll find its 31-acre campus nestled in tree-shaded groves of affluent Claremont, a large suburb 35 miles east of Los Angeles, where oak-dotted hills beckon hikers and the historic Village offers indie bookstores and farm-to-table spots. Pitzer attracts bold, self-directed students who thrive on challenging norms—think eco-warriors organizing divestment campaigns or artists critiquing capitalism— but its fiercely progressive bent can clash with those seeking ideological diversity or a less politically charged environment. The small size fosters tight-knit bonds yet demands initiative to tap the full consortium resources, trading breadth for depth in a setting more intimate than sprawling state schools.