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California Institute of Technology vs California Aeronautical University

California Institute of Technology is a private institute in Pasadena, CA, and California Aeronautical University is a private for-profit university in Bakersfield, CA. California Institute of Technology is the more selective of the two, admitting about 3% of applicants against 100% at California Aeronautical University. California Institute of Technology is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,075 a year against $36,126 at California Aeronautical University. About 94% of students graduate at California Institute of Technology, compared with 35% at California Aeronautical University. Ten years after enrolling, California Institute of Technology alumni earn a median of about $128,566, against $38,361 for California Aeronautical University.

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA · Private

California Aeronautical University

Bakersfield, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Pasadena, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
987
347
Acceptance rate
3%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
1530–1580
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
35–36
Not reported
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,075
$36,126
Full cost / yr
$86,886
$46,233
In-state tuition
$65,898
$37,667
Out-of-state tuition
$65,898
$37,667
Application fee
$75
$100
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$35,535
$30k - $48k
$0*
$28,863
$48k - $75k
$431
$35,669
$75k - $110k
$18,753
$39,250
Over $110k
$54,157
$43,076
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
35%
Freshman retention
97%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$132,140
$37,182
Median earnings (10 yr)
$128,566
$38,361
Median debt at graduation
Not reported
$30,705
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
46%
First-generation students
Not reported
50%
International students
14%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Rolling

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is California Institute of Technology or California Aeronautical University harder to get into?
California Institute of Technology is harder to get into. It admits about 3% of applicants, compared with 100% at California Aeronautical University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, California Institute of Technology or California Aeronautical University?
California Institute of Technology is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,075 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,126 at California Aeronautical University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at California Institute of Technology and California Aeronautical University?
Before aid, California Aeronautical University costs about $46,233 a year and California Institute of Technology about $86,886. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, California Institute of Technology or California Aeronautical University?
California Institute of Technology. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,133 there, against about $35,535 at California Aeronautical University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, California Institute of Technology or California Aeronautical University?
California Institute of Technology is the larger of the two, with about 987 undergraduates against 347 at California Aeronautical University.
Does California Institute of Technology or California Aeronautical University have a better graduation rate?
California Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 35% at California Aeronautical University.
Do graduates of California Institute of Technology or California Aeronautical University earn more?
California Institute of Technology alumni earn more on average: a median of about $128,566 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,361 for California Aeronautical University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California Institute of Technology and California Aeronautical University require SAT or ACT scores?
California Institute of Technology requires SAT or ACT scores. California Aeronautical University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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