Caltech vs. UChicago

Comparable Facts

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

University of Chicago is larger than Caltech based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 2,430 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of Technology is located in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting); University of Chicago is in Chicago, IL (Large City setting).
• California Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of Technology 3:1; University of Chicago 5:1.

Caltech vs. UChicago Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caltech or UChicago? 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 UChicago ($14,513 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Chicago are 0.9% lower than at California Institute of Technology ($20,109 vs. $20,283).
• University of Chicago is 7.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caltech (about $4,764 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.2% higher at UChicago than at California Institute of Technology (about $4,764 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California Institute of Technology than at University of Chicago (53% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of Technology students is 16.2% larger than aid received by University of Chicago students ($72,373 vs. $62,300).

Caltech vs. UChicago Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Institute of Technology (1560) is 10 points higher than at UChicago (1550).
• Incoming Caltech students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 34 at UChicago).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 1530/1580; University of Chicago 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 35/36; University of Chicago 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caltech - Required; UChicago - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Caltech Jan 3, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Caltech students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at UChicago (3.95).
• UChicago has a higher acceptance rate (4.5%) than Caltech (2.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Caltech vs. 88.3% at UChicago.

Caltech vs. UChicago Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caltech and UChicago? 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).

• University of Chicago's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than California Institute of Technology's (87%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than Caltech graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $85,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Institute of Technology graduates have a $150 lower median loan debt than UChicago graduates ($14,350 vs. $14,500).
• Among borrowers, Caltech graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UChicago graduates ($148 vs. $149).

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.