College Comparison
California Institute of Technology vs Santa Clara 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
Santa Clara, CA
Total Enrollment
2,430
9,728
Undergrad Enrollment
987
6,577
Student-Faculty Ratio
3:1
11:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
2.6%
48.0%
Average GPA
4.00
3.74
SAT Range
1530–1580
1350–1490
ACT Range
35–36
31–33
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$70
Total Applicants
13,856
18,970
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,762
$76,773
Avg Net Price
$18,902
$50,959
Tuition (In-State)
$58,479
$56,880
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$58,479
$56,880
Room & Board
$20,283
$19,893
% Receiving Aid
53.0%
71.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$72,373
$28,368
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
94.0%
90.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
87.0%
85.0%
Retention Rate
97.0%
94.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$128,566
$109,183
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA
Santa Clara is in Santa Clara, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Caltech is $18,902 per year, compared to $50,959 at Santa Clara University. Caltech is $32,057 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Caltech typically score between 1530-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Santa Clara University, the typical SAT range is 1350-1490. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Caltech has a graduation rate of 94%, while Santa Clara University 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 Santa Clara University has a ratio of 11:1. 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 Santa Clara University, 71% of students receive aid with an average grant of $28,368.
The median earnings for Caltech graduates 10 years after enrollment is $128,566, compared to $109,183 for Santa Clara 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. Santa Clara University is located in Santa Clara, CA in a city: midsize setting.

