College Comparison
Boston College vs California Institute of Technology
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Chestnut Hill, MA
Pasadena, CA
Total Enrollment
15,432
2,430
Undergrad Enrollment
10,314
987
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
3:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
16.4%
2.6%
Average GPA
4.00
4.00
SAT Range
1440–1540
1530–1580
ACT Range
33–35
35–36
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$75
Total Applicants
35,037
13,856
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$81,866
$78,762
Avg Net Price
$39,866
$18,902
Tuition (In-State)
$62,950
$58,479
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$62,950
$58,479
Room & Board
$18,916
$20,283
% Receiving Aid
40.0%
53.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$56,971
$72,373
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
90.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
96.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$103,937
$128,566
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Explore by Location
Boston is in Chestnut Hill, MA
California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Boston College is $39,866 per year, compared to $18,902 at Caltech. Caltech is $20,964 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Boston College typically score between 1440-1540 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Caltech, the typical SAT range is 1530-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Boston College has a graduation rate of 92%, while Caltech has a graduation rate of 94%. Caltech has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Boston College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Caltech has a ratio of 3:1. Caltech offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Boston College, 40% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $56,971. At Caltech, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $72,373.
The median earnings for Boston College graduates 10 years after enrollment is $103,937, compared to $128,566 for Caltech graduates. Graduates from Caltech tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Boston College is located in Chestnut Hill, MA in a city: small setting. Caltech is located in Pasadena, CA in a city: midsize setting.