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College comparison
Caltech vs Harvey Mudd
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 |  Harvey Mudd Claremont, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateCalifornia Institute of Technology is more selective | 3% | 13% |
| SAT (25–75) | — | 1500–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 987 | 921 |
| Avg net price | $16,075 | $35,924 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Harvey Mudd reports higher median earnings | $128,566 | $138,687 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 92% |
| Median debt | — | $25,000 |
| Economic mobility | 3.2% | 2.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Caltech vs Harvey Mudd: how they compare
For a family weighing two elite STEM institutions, Caltech and Harvey Mudd represent distinct models of undergraduate science and engineering education, with a core decision between a research university and a teaching-focused college.
By the numbers Caltech is more selective (3% acceptance vs. 13% at Mudd) and shows a lower average net price ($16k) with a value multiplier of 8.0× earnings per dollar. Mudd's net price is higher ($36k) with a 3.9× multiplier. Post-graduation, Mudd reports a higher 10-year median earnings ($139k vs. $129k). Caltech shows stronger economic mobility (rate of 318% vs. 292%) and a higher future scholar yield (40.9 vs. 28.7 S&E PhDs per 100 graduates). Financially, Mudd has a DOE health score (3.0/3), while Caltech's is 2.3/3. Both have high graduation rates (94% and 92%).
Where they overlap Both schools attract quantitatively gifted students dedicated to STEM. The academic workload is rigorous at both, fostering a collaborative environment. They share reputations for focused student bodies where academic passion is a primary social currency.
How they differ The fundamental divergence is institutional focus: Caltech is a research university, while Harvey Mudd is an undergraduate teaching college. This shapes the classroom experience. Location also differs: Caltech is in Pasadena, while Mudd is in suburban Claremont, integrated with the other Claremont Colleges. Caltech’s curriculum offers more specialization options.
Who each suits Caltech suits the student focused on pure science or theoretical engineering, who thrives in a research-centric environment and desires the resources of a research university. Harvey Mudd is ideal for the student who prioritizes a dedicated undergraduate teaching experience, values the collaborative consortium life of the Claremont Colleges, and may seek a more applied, interdisciplinary education.
Quick answers
- Is California Institute of Technology or Harvey Mudd College harder to get into?
- California Institute of Technology is more selective: California Institute of Technology's acceptance rate is approximately 3% and Harvey Mudd College's is approximately 13% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for California Institute of Technology vs Harvey Mudd College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is — at California Institute of Technology and 1500–1570 at Harvey Mudd College. 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.