College Comparison
Boston University 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
Boston, MA
Pasadena, CA
Total Enrollment
37,737
2,430
Undergrad Enrollment
18,805
987
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
3:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
11.1%
2.6%
Average GPA
3.79
4.00
SAT Range
1420–1530
1530–1580
ACT Range
32–34
35–36
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$75
Total Applicants
78,769
13,856
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$80,070
$78,762
Avg Net Price
$26,996
$18,902
Tuition (In-State)
$61,050
$58,479
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,050
$58,479
Room & Board
$19,020
$20,283
% Receiving Aid
49.0%
53.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$61,848
$72,373
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
88.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
83.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
95.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$83,238
$128,566
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Explore by Location
Boston is in Boston, MA
California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Boston University is $26,996 per year, compared to $18,902 at Caltech. Caltech is $8,094 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Boston University typically score between 1420-1530 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 University has a graduation rate of 88%, while Caltech has a graduation rate of 94%. Caltech has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Boston University 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 University, 49% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,848. At Caltech, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $72,373.
The median earnings for Boston University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $83,238, 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 University is located in Boston, MA in a city: large setting. Caltech is located in Pasadena, CA in a city: midsize setting.