College Comparison
California Institute of Technology vs Massachusetts 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
Pasadena, CA
Cambridge, MA
Total Enrollment
2,430
11,886
Undergrad Enrollment
987
4,535
Student-Faculty Ratio
3:1
3:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
2.6%
4.5%
Average GPA
4.00
4.00
SAT Range
1530–1580
1520–1580
ACT Range
35–36
34–36
Test Policy
Optional
Required
Application Fee
$75
$75
Total Applicants
13,856
28,232
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,762
$77,870
Avg Net Price
$18,902
$20,000
Tuition (In-State)
$58,479
$57,590
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$58,479
$57,590
Room & Board
$20,283
$20,280
% Receiving Aid
53.0%
59.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$72,373
$61,734
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
94.0%
97.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
87.0%
90.0%
Retention Rate
97.0%
99.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$128,566
$143,372
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Explore by Location
California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA
MIT is in Cambridge, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Caltech is $18,902 per year, compared to $20,000 at MIT. Caltech is $1,098 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Caltech typically score between 1530-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At MIT, the typical SAT range is 1520-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Caltech has a graduation rate of 94%, while MIT has a graduation rate of 97%. MIT has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Caltech has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, while MIT has a ratio of 3:1. MIT 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 MIT, 59% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,734.
The median earnings for Caltech graduates 10 years after enrollment is $128,566, compared to $143,372 for MIT graduates. Graduates from MIT 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. MIT is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting.