Caltech vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

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

California Institute of Technology is larger than Washington and Lee based on total student enrollment (2,430 students vs. 2,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of Technology is located in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• California Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of Technology 3:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Caltech vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caltech or Washington and Lee? 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 Washington and Lee ($14,513 vs. $23,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington and Lee University are 7.9% lower than at California Institute of Technology ($18,685 vs. $20,283).
• Washington and Lee University is 3.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caltech (about $2,147 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.3% higher at Washington and Lee than at California Institute of Technology (about $2,147 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $65,898.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington and Lee University than at California Institute of Technology (64% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of Technology students is 13.2% larger than aid received by Washington and Lee University students ($72,373 vs. $63,945).

Caltech vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Institute of Technology (1560) is 70 points higher than at Washington and Lee (1490).
• Incoming Caltech students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 33 at Washington and Lee).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 1530/1580; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 35/36; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caltech - Required; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Caltech Jan 3, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Caltech students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Washington and Lee (3.87).
• Washington and Lee has a higher acceptance rate (14%) than Caltech (2.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Caltech vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Caltech vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caltech and Washington and Lee? 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).

• Washington and Lee University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than California Institute of Technology's (87%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Caltech graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $85,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Institute of Technology graduates have a $7,150 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($14,350 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Caltech graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($148 vs. $222).

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.