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College comparison
Caltech vs UC Berkeley
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 |  UC Berkeley Berkeley, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateCalifornia Institute of Technology is more selective | 3% | 11% |
| SAT (25–75) | — | — |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 987 | 33,068 |
| Avg net price | $16,075 | $13,481 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Caltech reports higher median earnings | $128,566 | $92,446 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 93% |
| Median debt | — | $13,000 |
| Economic mobility | 3.2% | 4.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Public |
Caltech vs UC Berkeley: how they compare
For a student excelling in STEM, this is a choice between an intimate, ultra-focused scientific powerhouse and a vast, vibrant public research university with immense scale and social energy.
By the numbers Caltech is markedly more selective (3% vs. 11% acceptance) and its graduates achieve significantly higher median earnings a decade out ($129k vs. $92k), yielding a stronger financial return per dollar of net price (8.0× vs. 6.9× value). Caltech's net price is slightly higher ($16k vs. $13k) but its future-scholar yield for science/engineering PhDs is dominant (40.9 vs. 6.2). UC Berkeley excels in economic mobility, lifting low-income students to high earnings at a much higher rate (489% vs. 318% mobility). Berkeley also shows far greater stability in admissions (56% vs. 156% admit-rate volatility). Both have stellar graduation rates (94% vs. 93%) and are in city settings.
Where they overlap Both are world-renowned institutions located in California with exceptional strength in engineering and the physical sciences. They attract highly capable students and provide access to research from the undergraduate level. Their urban settings offer cultural and professional opportunities.
How they differ The cultures are distinct. Caltech is small, intensely collaborative, and focused on STEM, with a close-knit residential house system. Social life is largely internal. UC Berkeley is a large, diverse public university with an energetic campus. It offers a wide array of majors and student organizations, creating a bustling college experience in the Bay Area.
Who each suits Caltech suits the student passionate about theoretical science or engineering who thrives in an immersive academic environment with like-minded peers. It’s for those who prioritize deep scientific inquiry. UC Berkeley is a match for the independent student who wants top-tier STEM within a large, socially vibrant community. It offers scale, diversity, and a connection to industry.
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 University of California-Berkeley harder to get into?
- California Institute of Technology is more selective: California Institute of Technology's acceptance rate is approximately 3% and University of California-Berkeley's is approximately 11% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for California Institute of Technology vs University of California-Berkeley?
- The middle-50% SAT range is — at California Institute of Technology and — at University of California-Berkeley. 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.