College Comparison
California Institute of Technology vs Columbia University in the City of New York
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pasadena, CA
New York, NY
Total Enrollment
2,430
35,173
Undergrad Enrollment
987
9,164
Student-Faculty Ratio
3:1
6:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
2.6%
4.0%
Average GPA
4.00
4.00
SAT Range
1530–1580
1510–1580
ACT Range
35–36
34–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$85
Total Applicants
13,856
60,115
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,762
$79,569
Avg Net Price
$18,902
$22,000
Tuition (In-State)
$58,479
$61,989
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$58,479
$61,989
Room & Board
$20,283
$17,580
% Receiving Aid
53.0%
52.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$72,373
$67,010
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
94.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
87.0%
84.0%
Retention Rate
97.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$128,566
$102,491
More Comparisons
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California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Caltech is $18,902 per year, compared to $22,000 at Columbia University in the City of New York. Caltech is $3,098 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Caltech typically score between 1530-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Columbia University in the City of New York, the typical SAT range is 1510-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Caltech has a graduation rate of 94%, while Columbia University in the City of New York has a graduation rate of 92%. Caltech has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Caltech has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, while Columbia University in the City of New York has a ratio of 6:1. Caltech offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Caltech, 53% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $72,373. At Columbia University in the City of New York, 52% of students receive aid with an average grant of $67,010.
The median earnings for Caltech graduates 10 years after enrollment is $128,566, compared to $102,491 for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates. Graduates from Caltech tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Caltech is located in Pasadena, CA in a city: midsize setting. Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY in a city: large setting.