College Comparison
California Institute of Technology vs Washington and Lee 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
Lexington, VA
Total Enrollment
2,430
2,241
Undergrad Enrollment
987
1,886
Student-Faculty Ratio
3:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
2.6%
14.0%
Average GPA
4.00
3.91
SAT Range
1530–1580
1430–1540
ACT Range
35–36
33–34
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$60
Total Applicants
13,856
8,213
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,762
$79,275
Avg Net Price
$18,902
$23,911
Tuition (In-State)
$58,479
$60,590
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$58,479
$60,590
Room & Board
$20,283
$18,685
% Receiving Aid
53.0%
64.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$72,373
$63,945
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
94.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
87.0%
91.0%
Retention Rate
97.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$128,566
$94,810
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA
Washington and Lee is in Lexington, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Caltech is $18,902 per year, compared to $23,911 at Washington and Lee University. Caltech is $5,009 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Caltech typically score between 1530-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Washington and Lee University, the typical SAT range is 1430-1540. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Caltech has a graduation rate of 94%, while Washington and Lee University has a graduation rate of 94%. Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Caltech has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, while Washington and Lee University 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 Washington and Lee University, 64% of students receive aid with an average grant of $63,945.
The median earnings for Caltech graduates 10 years after enrollment is $128,566, compared to $94,810 for Washington and Lee 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. Washington and Lee University is located in Lexington, VA in a town: distant setting.

