College Comparison
California Institute of Technology vs Princeton University
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pasadena, CA
Princeton, NJ
Total Enrollment
2,430
9,137
Undergrad Enrollment
987
5,813
Student-Faculty Ratio
3:1
5:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
2.6%
4.6%
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
$70
Total Applicants
13,856
40,468
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,762
$77,660
Avg Net Price
$18,902
$10,555
Tuition (In-State)
$58,479
$57,410
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$58,479
$57,410
Room & Board
$20,283
$20,250
% Receiving Aid
53.0%
67.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$72,373
$68,727
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
94.0%
98.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
87.0%
90.0%
Retention Rate
97.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$128,566
$110,066
More Comparisons
Compare California Institute of Technology with...
View California Institute of Technology profile →
Compare Princeton with...
View Princeton profile →
Explore by Location
California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA
Princeton is in Princeton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Caltech is $18,902 per year, compared to $10,555 at Princeton University. Princeton University is $8,347 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Caltech typically score between 1530-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Princeton University, 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 Princeton University has a graduation rate of 98%. Princeton University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Caltech has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, while Princeton University has a ratio of 5:1. 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 Princeton University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $68,727.
The median earnings for Caltech graduates 10 years after enrollment is $128,566, compared to $110,066 for Princeton 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. Princeton University is located in Princeton, NJ in a city: small setting.

