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College comparison
Caltech vs Stanford
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 |  Stanford Stanford, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateCalifornia Institute of Technology is more selective | 3% | 4% |
| SAT (25–75) | — | 1510–1580 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 987 | 7,554 |
| Avg net price | $16,075 | $13,807 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Caltech reports higher median earnings | $128,566 | $124,080 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 92% |
| Median debt | — | $12,000 |
| Economic mobility | 3.2% | 2.2% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Caltech vs Stanford: how they compare
Two premier West Coast institutions, one intensely focused on STEM and the other a balanced powerhouse.
By the numbers Caltech (3% acceptance) is marginally more selective than Stanford (4%). For return on investment, Stanford’s value is higher at 9.0x earnings per dollar of net price versus Caltech’s 8.0x, though Caltech graduates report slightly higher 10-year median earnings ($129k vs. $124k). Caltech excels in propelling students from lower-income backgrounds, with an economic-mobility rate of 318% against Stanford’s 225%, and dominates in creating future scholars, with a Science & Engineering PhD yield of 40.9 compared to Stanford’s 9.1. Stanford shows greater stability with lower admit-rate volatility (42% vs. 156%) and a slightly stronger DOE financial-health score (2.6/3 vs. 2.3/3). Both have excellent graduation rates (94% and 92%) and low average net prices ($16k and $14k).
Where they overlap Both are globally elite universities with exceptional outcomes in science, technology, and engineering. They attract highly accomplished, driven students and offer access to advanced research and innovation ecosystems.
How they differ The cultures are distinct. Caltech is known for an intensely academic, close-knit, and collaborative environment with a pervasive focus on STEM. Stanford offers a more balanced campus feel with broad social variety and a well-rounded university atmosphere. Geographically, they anchor different Californian cultures: Caltech in Southern California's urban Pasadena and Stanford in the suburban San Francisco Bay Area.
Who each suits Caltech suits the singularly focused, intellectually relentless student who thrives in a small, collaborative environment dedicated almost exclusively to science and engineering. Stanford is a match for the high-achieving, multifaceted student who wants top-tier STEM within a broader liberal arts context, a vibrant social scene, and proximity to Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial culture.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is California Institute of Technology or Stanford University harder to get into?
- California Institute of Technology is more selective: California Institute of Technology's acceptance rate is approximately 3% and Stanford University's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for California Institute of Technology vs Stanford University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is — at California Institute of Technology and 1510–1580 at Stanford 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.