Caltech vs. Bowdoin College

Comparable Facts

Compare California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA with Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California Institute of Technology is larger than Bowdoin College based on total student enrollment (2,430 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of Technology is located in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting); Bowdoin College is in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting).
• California Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of Technology 3:1; Bowdoin College 9:1.

Caltech vs. Bowdoin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caltech or Bowdoin College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California Institute of Technology than Bowdoin College ($14,513 vs. $22,228).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowdoin College are 8.8% lower than at California Institute of Technology ($18,488 vs. $20,283).
• Bowdoin College is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caltech (about $1,934 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.9% higher at Bowdoin College than at California Institute of Technology (about $1,934 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bowdoin College than at California Institute of Technology (55% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of Technology students is 15.1% larger than aid received by Bowdoin College students ($72,373 vs. $62,872).

Caltech vs. Bowdoin College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Caltech or Bowdoin College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bowdoin College and Caltech.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Institute of Technology (1560) is 50 points higher than at Bowdoin College (1510).
• Incoming Caltech students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 34 at Bowdoin College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 1530/1580; Bowdoin College 1470/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 35/36; Bowdoin College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caltech - Required; Bowdoin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Caltech Jan 3, 2027; Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027.
• Bowdoin College has a higher acceptance rate (7.1%) than Caltech (2.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Caltech vs. 53.6% at Bowdoin College.

Caltech vs. Bowdoin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caltech and Bowdoin College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bowdoin College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than California Institute of Technology's (87%).
• Graduates from California Institute of Technology earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than Bowdoin College graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,800 vs. $75,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Institute of Technology graduates have a $4,483 lower median loan debt than Bowdoin College graduates ($14,350 vs. $18,833).
• Among borrowers, Caltech graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bowdoin College graduates ($148 vs. $194).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.