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California Institute of Technology vs Design Institute of San Diego

California Institute of Technology is a private institute in Pasadena, CA, and Design Institute of San Diego is a private for-profit institute in San Diego, CA. California Institute of Technology is the more selective of the two, admitting about 3% of applicants against 100% at Design Institute of San Diego. California Institute of Technology is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,075 a year against $44,010 at Design Institute of San Diego. Ten years after enrolling, California Institute of Technology alumni earn a median of about $128,566, against $46,920 for Design Institute of San Diego.

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA · Private

Design Institute of San Diego

San Diego, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Pasadena, CA
San Diego, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
987
77
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
$44,010
Full cost / yr
$86,886
$55,911
In-state tuition
$65,898
$29,300
Out-of-state tuition
$65,898
$29,300
Application fee
$75
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
Not reported
$30k - $48k
$0*
Not reported
$48k - $75k
$431
$44,010
$75k - $110k
$18,753
Not reported
Over $110k
$54,157
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
Not reported
Freshman retention
97%
0%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$132,140
$46,916
Median earnings (10 yr)
$128,566
$46,920
Median debt at graduation
Not reported
$36,844
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
51%
First-generation students
Not reported
Not reported
International students
14%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Rolling
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 Design Institute of San Diego harder to get into?
California Institute of Technology is harder to get into. It admits about 3% of applicants, compared with 100% at Design Institute of San Diego. 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 Design Institute of San Diego?
California Institute of Technology is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,075 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $44,010 at Design Institute of San Diego. 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 Design Institute of San Diego?
Before aid, Design Institute of San Diego costs about $55,911 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 bigger, California Institute of Technology or Design Institute of San Diego?
California Institute of Technology is the larger of the two, with about 987 undergraduates against 77 at Design Institute of San Diego.
Do graduates of California Institute of Technology or Design Institute of San Diego earn more?
California Institute of Technology alumni earn more on average: a median of about $128,566 ten years after enrolling, against about $46,920 for Design Institute of San Diego. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California Institute of Technology and Design Institute of San Diego require SAT or ACT scores?
California Institute of Technology requires SAT or ACT scores. Design Institute of San Diego 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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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school