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College Comparison

California Institute of Technology vs Northwestern University

Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.

Northwestern University
#20
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Pasadena, CA

Evanston, IL

Total Enrollment

2,430

23,856

Undergrad Enrollment

987

9,399

Student-Faculty Ratio

3:1

6:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

2.6%

7.7%

Average GPA

4.00

4.00

SAT Range

1530–1580

1510–1570

ACT Range

35–36

33–35

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$75

Total Applicants

13,856

49,474


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,762

$83,517

Avg Net Price

$18,902

$27,143

Tuition (In-State)

$58,479

$62,391

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$58,479

$62,391

Room & Board

$20,283

$21,126

% Receiving Aid

53.0%

53.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$72,373

$64,429


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

87.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$128,566

$89,363

More Comparisons
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California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA

Northwestern is in Evanston, IL

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Frequently Asked Questions

Caltech has an acceptance rate of 3%, while Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. This means Caltech is more selective than Northwestern University.

The average net price at Caltech is $18,902 per year, compared to $27,143 at Northwestern University. Caltech is $8,241 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Caltech typically score between 1530-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Northwestern University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.

Caltech has a graduation rate of 94%, while Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%. Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Caltech has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, while Northwestern University 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 Northwestern University, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,429.

The median earnings for Caltech graduates 10 years after enrollment is $128,566, compared to $89,363 for Northwestern University 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. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting.