Caltech vs. San Jose State

Comparable Facts

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

San Jose State University is larger than Caltech based on total student enrollment (37,661 students vs. 2,430 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of Technology is located in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting); San Jose State University is in San Jose, CA (Large City setting).
• California Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. San Jose State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of Technology 3:1; San Jose State University 25:1.

Caltech vs. San Jose State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caltech or San Jose State? 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 San Jose State University than Caltech ($13,892 vs. $14,513).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Institute of Technology are 3.3% lower than at San Jose State University ($20,283 vs. $20,971).
• California Institute of Technology is 683.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than San Jose State (about $57,488 more per year; $65,898.00 vs. $8,410.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 213.7% higher at Caltech than at San Jose State University (about $44,888 more per year; $65,898.00 vs. $21,010.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Jose State University than at California Institute of Technology (63% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of Technology students is 485.9% larger than aid received by San Jose State University students ($72,373 vs. $12,353).

Caltech vs. San Jose State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Caltech or San Jose State? 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 San Jose State and Caltech.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Institute of Technology (1560) is 430 points higher than at San Jose State (1130).
• Incoming Caltech students have a 13 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 22 at San Jose State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 1530/1580; San Jose State University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 35/36; San Jose State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caltech - Required; San Jose State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Caltech Jan 3, 2027; San Jose State Dec 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Caltech students have a 0.62 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at San Jose State (3.35).
• San Jose State has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Caltech (2.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Caltech vs. 14.7% at San Jose State.

Caltech vs. San Jose State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caltech and San Jose State? 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 San Jose State University's (46%).
• Graduates from California Institute of Technology earn a median of about $25,900 more per year than San Jose State graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,800 vs. $59,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Institute of Technology graduates have a $650 lower median loan debt than San Jose State graduates ($14,350 vs. $15,000).
• Among borrowers, Caltech graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than San Jose State graduates ($148 vs. $155).

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.