Caltech vs. Northeastern University Oakland

Comparable Facts

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

California Institute of Technology is larger than Northeastern University Oakland based on total student enrollment (2,430 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of Technology is located in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting); Northeastern University Oakland is in Oakland, CA (Large City setting).
• California Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northeastern University Oakland is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of Technology 3:1; Northeastern University Oakland 7:1.

Caltech vs. Northeastern University Oakland Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caltech or Northeastern University Oakland? 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 Northeastern University Oakland ($14,513 vs. $27,473).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern University Oakland are 3.5% lower than at California Institute of Technology ($19,580 vs. $20,283).
• Northeastern University Oakland is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caltech (about $1,880 more per year; $67,778.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.9% higher at Northeastern University Oakland than at California Institute of Technology (about $1,880 more per year; $67,778.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University Oakland than at California Institute of Technology (67% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of Technology students is 24.9% larger than aid received by Northeastern University Oakland students ($72,373 vs. $57,948).

Caltech vs. Northeastern University Oakland Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Caltech or Northeastern University Oakland? 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 Northeastern University Oakland and Caltech.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Institute of Technology (1560) is 90 points higher than at Northeastern University Oakland (1470).
• Incoming Caltech students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 32 at Northeastern University Oakland).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 1530/1580; Northeastern University Oakland 1420/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 35/36; Northeastern University Oakland 32/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caltech - Required; Northeastern University Oakland - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Caltech Jan 3, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Caltech students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Northeastern University Oakland (3.57).
• Northeastern University Oakland has a higher acceptance rate (16.7%) than Caltech (2.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Caltech vs. 14.9% at Northeastern University Oakland.

Caltech vs. Northeastern University Oakland Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caltech and Northeastern University Oakland? 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 Northeastern University Oakland's (57%).
• Graduates from California Institute of Technology earn a median of about $41,400 more per year than Northeastern University Oakland graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,800 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Institute of Technology graduates have a $9,150 lower median loan debt than Northeastern University Oakland graduates ($14,350 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Caltech graduates have an estimated $94 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern University Oakland 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.