Caltech vs. Case Western

Comparable Facts

Compare California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA with Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Case Western Reserve University is larger than Caltech based on total student enrollment (12,475 students vs. 2,430 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of Technology is located in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting); Case Western Reserve University is in Cleveland, OH (Large City setting).
• California Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Case Western Reserve University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of Technology 3:1; Case Western Reserve University 9:1.

Caltech vs. Case Western Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caltech or Case Western? 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 Case Western ($14,513 vs. $44,000).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Case Western Reserve University are 7.5% lower than at California Institute of Technology ($18,762 vs. $20,283).
• Case Western Reserve University is 1.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caltech (about $710 more per year; $66,608.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at Case Western than at California Institute of Technology (about $710 more per year; $66,608.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Case Western Reserve University than at California Institute of Technology (88% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of Technology students is 72.7% larger than aid received by Case Western Reserve University students ($72,373 vs. $41,913).

Caltech vs. Case Western Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Caltech or Case Western? 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 Case Western and Caltech.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Institute of Technology (1560) is 70 points higher than at Case Western (1490).
• Incoming Caltech students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 33 at Case Western).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 1530/1580; Case Western Reserve University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 35/36; Case Western Reserve University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caltech - Required; Case Western - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Caltech Jan 3, 2027; Case Western Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Caltech students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Case Western (3.86).
• Case Western has a higher acceptance rate (36.5%) than Caltech (2.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Caltech vs. 11.9% at Case Western.

Caltech vs. Case Western Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caltech and Case Western? 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).

• California Institute of Technology's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Case Western Reserve University's (78%).
• Graduates from California Institute of Technology earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Case Western graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,800 vs. $84,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Institute of Technology graduates have a $9,716 lower median loan debt than Case Western graduates ($14,350 vs. $24,066).
• Among borrowers, Caltech graduates have an estimated $100 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Case Western graduates ($148 vs. $248).

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.