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College comparison
Caltech vs Harvard
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Caltech Pasadena, CA |  Harvard Cambridge, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateCalifornia Institute of Technology is more selective | 3% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | — | 1510–1580 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 987 | 7,601 |
| Avg net price | $16,075 | $19,066 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Caltech reports higher median earnings | $128,566 | $101,817 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 98% |
| Median debt | — | $14,000 |
| Economic mobility | 3.2% | 1.8% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Caltech vs Harvard: how they compare
Two of the world's most elite universities, Caltech and Harvard, represent a stark choice between a hyper-focused scientific institute and a broad, legacy-rich research university.
By the numbers Caltech delivers higher financial returns against cost, with a 10-year median earnings figure of $129k and a value multiplier of 8.0× earnings per dollar of net price, compared to Harvard's $102k and 5.3×. Caltech also shows a dramatically higher economic-mobility rate (318% vs. 176%) and future-scholar yield in science & engineering PhDs (40.9 vs. 9.5). Harvard edges out in graduation rate (98% vs. 94%) and DOE financial-health score (2.8/3 vs. 2.3/3). Selectivity is virtually identical, with Caltech at a 3% acceptance rate and Harvard at 4%, though Harvard's admit-rate volatility is far lower (48% vs. 156%).
Where they overlap Both are highly selective, urban-campus institutions with world-class resources, very high graduation rates, and significant financial aid, as reflected in their low average net prices ($16k and $19k). They attract and produce top academic talent.
How they differ Culturally, they diverge completely. Caltech is a tiny, intensely collaborative but academically singular community focused on STEM. Harvard offers a vast, traditional collegiate experience with broad offerings across disciplines and a social scene intertwined with historic Boston-Cambridge life.
Who each suits Caltech is for the student deeply committed to science or engineering, who thrives in a close-knit and highly technical environment aimed at producing research pioneers. Harvard suits the student who wants a broad liberal arts education, networks beyond STEM, and a platform into diverse fields like law, politics, business, or academia.
Quick answers
- Is California Institute of Technology or Harvard University harder to get into?
- California Institute of Technology is more selective: California Institute of Technology's acceptance rate is approximately 3% and Harvard University's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for California Institute of Technology vs Harvard University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is — at California Institute of Technology and 1510–1580 at Harvard University. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.