Caltech vs. UOP

Comparable Facts

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

University of the Pacific is larger than Caltech based on total student enrollment (6,944 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 the Pacific is in Stockton, CA (Large City setting).
• California Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of the Pacific is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of Technology 3:1; University of the Pacific 13:1.

Caltech vs. UOP Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caltech or UOP? 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 UOP ($14,513 vs. $31,670).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of the Pacific are 15.2% lower than at California Institute of Technology ($17,190 vs. $20,283).
• California Institute of Technology is 15.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than UOP (about $8,818 more per year; $65,898.00 vs. $57,080.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.4% higher at Caltech than at University of the Pacific (about $8,818 more per year; $65,898.00 vs. $57,080.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the Pacific than at California Institute of Technology (98% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of Technology students is 76% larger than aid received by University of the Pacific students ($72,373 vs. $41,111).

Caltech vs. UOP Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Institute of Technology (1560) is 230 points higher than at UOP (1330).
• Incoming Caltech students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 27 at UOP).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 1530/1580; University of the Pacific 1183/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 35/36; University of the Pacific 23/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caltech - Required; UOP - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Caltech Jan 3, 2027; UOP Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Caltech students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at UOP (3.58).
• UOP has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than Caltech (2.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Caltech vs. 13.8% at UOP.

Caltech vs. UOP Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caltech and UOP? 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 University of the Pacific's (69%).
• Graduates from California Institute of Technology earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than UOP graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,800 vs. $81,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Institute of Technology graduates have a $10,275 lower median loan debt than UOP graduates ($14,350 vs. $24,625).
• Among borrowers, Caltech graduates have an estimated $106 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UOP graduates ($148 vs. $254).

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.