College comparison

Caltech vs Northeastern

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	Northeastern Boston, MA
Acceptance rateCalifornia Institute of Technology is more selective	3%	5%
SAT (25–75)	—	1440–1540
ACT (25–75)	—	—
Undergrad enrollment	987	17,326
Avg net price	$16,075	$30,915
Median earnings (10 yr)Caltech reports higher median earnings	$128,566	$92,538
Graduation rate	94%	91%
Median debt	—	$24,250
Economic mobility	3.2%	2.4%
Test policy	—	—
Type	Private (nonprofit)	Private (nonprofit)

Quick answers

Is California Institute of Technology or Northeastern University harder to get into?

California Institute of Technology is more selective: California Institute of Technology's acceptance rate is approximately 3% and Northeastern University's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for California Institute of Technology vs Northeastern University?

The middle-50% SAT range is — at California Institute of Technology and 1440–1540 at Northeastern 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.