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College comparison
Caltech vs UCLA
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 |  UCLA Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateCalifornia Institute of Technology is more selective | 3% | 9% |
| SAT (25–75) | — | — |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 987 | 33,475 |
| Avg net price | $16,075 | $12,548 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Caltech reports higher median earnings | $128,566 | $82,511 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 93% |
| Median debt | — | $14,000 |
| Economic mobility | 3.2% | 5.6% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Public |
Caltech vs UCLA: how they compare
For a family weighing an elite STEM powerhouse against a premier public research university, the choice hinges on prioritizing scientific intensity versus a broader experience with strong social mobility.
By the numbers Caltech’s quantitative profile is defined by extreme selectivity and high-earning outcomes, while UCLA excels in accessibility and economic mobility. Caltech’s 3% acceptance rate and 10-year median earnings of $129k significantly outpace UCLA’s 9% and $83k. Caltech also delivers higher calculated value per dollar (8.0x vs. 6.6x earnings per net price dollar), though its average net price is slightly higher ($16k vs. $13k). UCLA’s most distinctive data point is its exceptional economic-mobility rate of 560%, far exceeding Caltech’s 318%. Caltech shows high admit-rate volatility (156%) compared to UCLA’s more stable 64%, and its future-scholar yield metric (40.9) indicates high PhD placement in science and engineering. Both schools have near-identical graduation rates (94% vs. 93%) and strong DOE financial-health scores for Caltech (2.3/3).
Where they overlap Both institutions are highly competitive universities located in major Southern California metropolitan areas, offering a city setting with access to professional and cultural resources. They share a commitment to rigorous academics and research, producing graduates with strong outcomes.
How they differ Culturally, they are distinct. Caltech is characterized by an intensely collaborative, close-knit environment centered on its honor code and unique House system. The focus is overwhelmingly on science and engineering. UCLA offers a dynamic large-university experience with athletics, extensive extracurricular offerings, and a diverse social scene, blending academics with campus life.
Who each suits Caltech is for the singularly passionate student who thrives in a small, collaborative cohort and aims for a PhD or technical career. UCLA is for the high-achieving student seeking a world-class education within a diverse campus community, who values social mobility and broad academic exploration.
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-Los Angeles 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-Los Angeles's is approximately 9% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for California Institute of Technology vs University of California-Los Angeles?
- The middle-50% SAT range is — at California Institute of Technology and — at University of California-Los Angeles. 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.