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California Institute of Technology vs University of Pennsylvania

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

University of Pennsylvania
#10
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Private
At a Glance

Type

Private

Private

Location

Pasadena, CA

Philadelphia, PA

Total Enrollment

2,430

29,109

Undergrad Enrollment

987

11,478

Student-Faculty Ratio

3:1

8:1


Admissions

Acceptance Rate

2.6%

5.4%

Average GPA

4.00

3.96

SAT Range

1530–1580

1510–1570

ACT Range

35–36

34–36

Test Policy

Optional

Optional

Application Fee

$75

$75

Total Applicants

13,856

65,226


Cost & Value

Sticker Price

$78,762

$75,386

Avg Net Price

$18,902

$31,229

Tuition (In-State)

$58,479

$56,212

Tuition (Out-of-State)

$58,479

$56,212

Room & Board

$20,283

$19,174

% Receiving Aid

53.0%

51.0%

Avg Grant Amount

$72,373

$65,458


Outcomes

6-Year Grad Rate

94.0%

96.0%

4-Year Grad Rate

87.0%

90.0%

Retention Rate

97.0%

99.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$128,566

$111,371

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California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA

Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Caltech has an acceptance rate of 3%, while Penn has an acceptance rate of 5%. This means Caltech is more selective than Penn.

The average net price at Caltech is $18,902 per year, compared to $31,229 at Penn. Caltech is $12,327 less expensive on average after financial aid.

Admitted students at Caltech typically score between 1530-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Penn, 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 Penn has a graduation rate of 96%. Penn has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.

Caltech has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, while Penn has a ratio of 8:1. 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 Penn, 51% of students receive aid with an average grant of $65,458.

The median earnings for Caltech graduates 10 years after enrollment is $128,566, compared to $111,371 for Penn 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. Penn is located in Philadelphia, PA in a city: large setting.