Caltech vs. Vanderbilt

Comparable Facts

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

Vanderbilt University is larger than Caltech based on total student enrollment (13,575 students vs. 2,430 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of Technology is located in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting); Vanderbilt University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• California Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of Technology 3:1; Vanderbilt University 8:1.

Caltech vs. Vanderbilt Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caltech or Vanderbilt? 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 Vanderbilt ($14,513 vs. $25,186).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Institute of Technology are 8% lower than at Vanderbilt University ($20,283 vs. $22,054).
• Vanderbilt University is 2.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caltech (about $1,600 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.4% higher at Vanderbilt than at California Institute of Technology (about $1,600 more per year; $67,498.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Vanderbilt University than at California Institute of Technology (67% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of Technology students is 12.4% larger than aid received by Vanderbilt University students ($72,373 vs. $64,404).

Caltech vs. Vanderbilt Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Institute of Technology (1560) is 20 points higher than at Vanderbilt (1540).
• Incoming Caltech students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 34 at Vanderbilt).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 1530/1580; Vanderbilt University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 35/36; Vanderbilt University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caltech - Required; Vanderbilt - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Caltech Jan 3, 2027; Vanderbilt Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Caltech students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Vanderbilt (3.89).
• Vanderbilt has a higher acceptance rate (5.9%) than Caltech (2.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Caltech vs. 61.2% at Vanderbilt.

Caltech vs. Vanderbilt Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caltech and Vanderbilt? 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).

• Vanderbilt University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than California Institute of Technology's (87%).
• Graduates from California Institute of Technology earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than Vanderbilt graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,800 vs. $83,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vanderbilt University graduates have a $350 lower median loan debt than Caltech graduates ($14,000 vs. $14,350).
• Among borrowers, Vanderbilt graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Caltech graduates ($144 vs. $148).

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.