College Comparison
California Institute of Technology vs Washington University in St Louis
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pasadena, CA
Saint Louis, MO
Total Enrollment
2,430
16,357
Undergrad Enrollment
987
8,220
Student-Faculty Ratio
3:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
2.6%
12.1%
Average GPA
4.00
3.96
SAT Range
1530–1580
1500–1570
ACT Range
35–36
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$75
$75
Total Applicants
13,856
32,754
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$78,762
$81,274
Avg Net Price
$18,902
$22,117
Tuition (In-State)
$58,479
$59,420
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$58,479
$59,420
Room & Board
$20,283
$21,854
% Receiving Aid
53.0%
49.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$72,373
$66,080
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
94.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
87.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
97.0%
95.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$128,566
$86,182
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
California Institute of Technology is in Pasadena, CA
Washington in St Louis is in Saint Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Caltech is $18,902 per year, compared to $22,117 at Washington University in St Louis. Caltech is $3,215 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Caltech typically score between 1530-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Washington University in St Louis, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Caltech has a graduation rate of 94%, while Washington University in St Louis has a graduation rate of 92%. Caltech has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Caltech has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, while Washington University in St Louis 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 University in St Louis, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $66,080.
The median earnings for Caltech graduates 10 years after enrollment is $128,566, compared to $86,182 for Washington University in St Louis 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 University in St Louis is located in Saint Louis, MO in a suburb: large setting.

