Caltech vs. EMU

Comparable Facts

Compare California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA with Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California Institute of Technology is larger than EMU based on total student enrollment (2,430 students vs. 1,154 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of Technology is located in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting); Eastern Mennonite University is in Harrisonburg, VA (Small City setting).
• California Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Mennonite University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of Technology 3:1; Eastern Mennonite University 9:1.

Caltech vs. EMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caltech or EMU? 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 EMU ($14,513 vs. $25,021).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Mennonite University are 35.1% lower than at California Institute of Technology ($13,170 vs. $20,283).
• California Institute of Technology is 50% more expensive for in-state tuition than EMU (about $21,978 more per year; $65,898.00 vs. $43,920.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50% higher at Caltech than at Eastern Mennonite University (about $21,978 more per year; $65,898.00 vs. $43,920.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Mennonite University than at California Institute of Technology (96% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of Technology students is 123.5% larger than aid received by Eastern Mennonite University students ($72,373 vs. $32,378).

Caltech vs. EMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Institute of Technology (1560) is 240 points higher than at EMU (1320).
• Incoming Caltech students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 29 at EMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 1530/1580; Eastern Mennonite University 1040/1590.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 35/36; Eastern Mennonite University 25/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caltech - Required; EMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Caltech Jan 3, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Caltech students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at EMU (3.7).
• EMU has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Caltech (2.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Caltech vs. 12.4% at EMU.

Caltech vs. EMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caltech and EMU? 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 Eastern Mennonite University's (66%).
• Graduates from California Institute of Technology earn a median of about $41,900 more per year than EMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,800 vs. $43,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Institute of Technology graduates have a $9,100 lower median loan debt than EMU graduates ($14,350 vs. $23,450).
• Among borrowers, Caltech graduates have an estimated $94 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EMU graduates ($148 vs. $242).

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.