Caltech vs. Webb Institute

Comparable Facts

Compare California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA with Webb Institute in Glen Cove, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California Institute of Technology is larger than Webb Institute based on total student enrollment (2,430 students vs. 106 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of Technology is located in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting); Webb Institute is in Glen Cove, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• California Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Webb Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of Technology 3:1; Webb Institute 11:1.

Caltech vs. Webb Institute Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caltech or Webb Institute? 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 Webb Institute ($14,513 vs. $21,966).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Webb Institute are 24.7% lower than at California Institute of Technology ($15,280 vs. $20,283).
• California Institute of Technology is 4.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Webb Institute (about $2,684 more per year; $65,898.00 vs. $63,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.2% higher at Caltech than at Webb Institute (about $2,684 more per year; $65,898.00 vs. $63,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Webb Institute than at California Institute of Technology (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of Technology students is 20.7% larger than aid received by Webb Institute students ($72,373 vs. $59,984).

Caltech vs. Webb Institute Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Caltech or Webb Institute? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Webb Institute and Caltech.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at California Institute of Technology (1560) is 80 points higher than at Webb Institute (1480).
• Incoming Caltech students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (35 vs. 33 at Webb Institute).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: California Institute of Technology 1530/1580; Webb Institute 1430/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: California Institute of Technology 35/36; Webb Institute 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caltech - Required; Webb Institute - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Caltech Jan 3, 2027; Webb Institute Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Webb Institute students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Caltech (3.97).
• Webb Institute has a higher acceptance rate (14%) than Caltech (2.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Caltech vs. 75.8% at Webb Institute.

Caltech vs. Webb Institute Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caltech and Webb Institute? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• California Institute of Technology's six-year graduation rate is 87%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Webb Institute.
• Graduates from California Institute of Technology have median earnings of about $85,800 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for Webb Institute.

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.