College Comparison
California Institute of Technology vs Swarthmore 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
Swarthmore, PA
Total Enrollment
2,430
1,623
Undergrad Enrollment
987
1,623
Student-Faculty Ratio
3:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
2.6%
7.5%
Average GPA
4.00
3.93
SAT Range
1530–1580
1490–1560
ACT Range
35–36
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$60
Total Applicants
13,856
13,065
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,762
$79,236
Avg Net Price
$18,902
$18,686
Tuition (In-State)
$58,479
$58,928
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$58,479
$58,928
Room & Board
$20,283
$20,308
% Receiving Aid
53.0%
57.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$72,373
$61,634
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
94.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
87.0%
88.0%
Retention Rate
97.0%
94.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$128,566
$80,257
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Explore by Location
California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA
Swarthmore is in Swarthmore, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Caltech is $18,902 per year, compared to $18,686 at Swarthmore College. Swarthmore College is $216 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Caltech typically score between 1530-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Swarthmore College, the typical SAT range is 1490-1560. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Caltech has a graduation rate of 94%, while Swarthmore College has a graduation rate of 94%. Swarthmore College has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Caltech has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, while Swarthmore College has a ratio of 7:1. 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 Swarthmore College, 57% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,634.
The median earnings for Caltech graduates 10 years after enrollment is $128,566, compared to $80,257 for Swarthmore 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. Swarthmore College is located in Swarthmore, PA in a suburb: large setting.