Caltech vs. Olin College

Comparable Facts

Compare California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA with Franklin W Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California Institute of Technology is larger than Olin College based on total student enrollment (2,430 students vs. 405 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of Technology is located in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting); Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is in Needham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• California Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of Technology 3:1; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 9:1.

Caltech vs. Olin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caltech or Olin 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 Olin College ($14,513 vs. $43,184).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Institute of Technology are 2.5% lower than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($20,283 vs. $20,810).
• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is 0.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caltech (about $500 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.8% higher at Olin College than at California Institute of Technology (about $500 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering than at California Institute of Technology (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of Technology students is 67.2% larger than aid received by Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students ($72,373 vs. $43,290).

Caltech vs. Olin College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Institute of Technology (1560) is 30 points higher than at Olin College (1530).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 1530/1580; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 1493/1558.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 35/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caltech - Required; Olin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Caltech Jan 3, 2027; Olin College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Caltech students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Olin College (3.9).
• Olin College has a higher acceptance rate (25.2%) than Caltech (2.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Caltech vs. 43.7% at Olin College.

Caltech vs. Olin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caltech and Olin 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).

• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than California Institute of Technology's (87%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Institute of Technology graduates have a $360 lower median loan debt than Olin College graduates ($14,350 vs. $14,710).
• Among borrowers, Caltech graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Olin College graduates ($148 vs. $152).

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.