Caltech vs. Colby College

Comparable Facts

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

California Institute of Technology is larger than Colby College based on total student enrollment (2,430 students vs. 2,412 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Caltech vs. Colby College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caltech or Colby 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 Colby College ($14,513 vs. $16,219).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colby College are 11.8% lower than at California Institute of Technology ($17,890 vs. $20,283).
• Colby College is 5.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caltech (about $3,702 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.6% higher at Colby College than at California Institute of Technology (about $3,702 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Institute of Technology than at Colby College (53% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of Technology students is 4.6% larger than aid received by Colby College students ($72,373 vs. $69,201).

Caltech vs. Colby College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Caltech or Colby 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 Colby College and Caltech.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Institute of Technology (1560) is 50 points higher than at Colby College (1510).
• Incoming Caltech students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 33 at Colby College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 1530/1580; Colby College 1460/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 35/36; Colby College 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caltech - Required; Colby College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Caltech Jan 3, 2027; Colby College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Caltech students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Colby College (3.86).
• Colby 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. 46.2% at Colby College.

Caltech vs. Colby College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caltech and Colby 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).

• Colby College's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than California Institute of Technology's (87%).
• Graduates from California Institute of Technology earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than Colby College graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,800 vs. $73,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Institute of Technology graduates have a $4,995 lower median loan debt than Colby College graduates ($14,350 vs. $19,345).
• Among borrowers, Caltech graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Colby College graduates ($148 vs. $200).

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.