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College comparison
Caltech vs Penn
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 |  Penn Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateCalifornia Institute of Technology is more selective | 3% | 5% |
| SAT (25–75) | — | 1510–1570 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 987 | 10,650 |
| Avg net price | $16,075 | $28,699 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Caltech reports higher median earnings | $128,566 | $111,371 |
| Graduation rate | 94% | 97% |
| Median debt | — | $15,715 |
| Economic mobility | 3.2% | 2.1% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Caltech vs Penn: how they compare
For a data-driven family comparing two elite, urban institutions, the choice hinges on a trade-off between intense scientific focus and broader pre-professional prestige.
By the numbers Caltech delivers exceptional financial value and outcomes for its students, with a value multiplier of 8.0× (earnings per dollar of net price) versus Penn's 3.9×. This is driven by Caltech's significantly lower average net price ($16k vs. $29k) and higher 10-year median earnings ($129k vs. $111k). Caltech also shows far greater economic mobility (318% vs. 205%) and is a powerhouse for creating future scholars, with a future-scholar yield of 40.9 (Penn's metric is not provided). Penn counters with slightly higher graduation rates (97% vs. 94%), a perfect DOE financial health score (3.0/3 vs. 2.3), and less volatile admissions (admit-rate volatility 58% vs. 156%). Both are highly selective, with Caltech slightly more so (acceptance 3% vs. 5%).
Where they overlap Both are top-tier, highly selective universities set in major city environments. Their graduates achieve high levels of professional and financial success.
How they differ Culturally, they are distinct. Caltech is defined by its small, collaborative, and intensely focused academic culture, where social life often revolves around close-knit houses and intellectual pursuits. Penn offers a large-university experience with a vibrant social scene, extensive clubs, and a strong pre-professional orientation.
Who each suits Caltech is for the research-driven student committed to science or engineering, who thrives in a collaborative but demanding environment. Penn is for the ambitious, socially engaged student seeking a broad, pre-professional education with networking opportunities within a dynamic campus 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 University of Pennsylvania harder to get into?
- California Institute of Technology is more selective: California Institute of Technology's acceptance rate is approximately 3% and University of Pennsylvania's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for California Institute of Technology vs University of Pennsylvania?
- The middle-50% SAT range is — at California Institute of Technology and 1510–1570 at University of Pennsylvania. 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.