College Comparison
California Institute of Technology vs Macalester College
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pasadena, CA
Saint Paul, MN
Total Enrollment
2,430
2,138
Undergrad Enrollment
987
2,138
Student-Faculty Ratio
3:1
10:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
2.6%
28.5%
Average GPA
4.00
4.00
SAT Range
1530–1580
1350–1510
ACT Range
35–36
30–34
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$0
Total Applicants
13,856
8,968
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,762
$78,030
Avg Net Price
$18,902
$29,980
Tuition (In-State)
$58,479
$62,270
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$58,479
$62,270
Room & Board
$20,283
$15,760
% Receiving Aid
53.0%
87.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$72,373
$42,766
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
94.0%
90.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
87.0%
86.0%
Retention Rate
97.0%
92.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$128,566
$63,878
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Explore by Location
California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA
Macalester is in Saint Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Caltech is $18,902 per year, compared to $29,980 at Macalester College. Caltech is $11,078 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Caltech typically score between 1530-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Macalester College, the typical SAT range is 1350-1510. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Caltech has a graduation rate of 94%, while Macalester College has a graduation rate of 90%. Caltech has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Caltech has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, while Macalester College has a ratio of 10:1. 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 Macalester College, 87% of students receive aid with an average grant of $42,766.
The median earnings for Caltech graduates 10 years after enrollment is $128,566, compared to $63,878 for Macalester College 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. Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN in a city: large setting.