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California Institute of Technology vs Life Pacific University

California Institute of Technology is a private institute in Pasadena, CA, and Life Pacific University is a private university in San Dimas, CA. California Institute of Technology is the more selective of the two, admitting about 3% of applicants against 96% at Life Pacific University. California Institute of Technology is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,075 a year against $20,898 at Life Pacific University. About 94% of students graduate at California Institute of Technology, compared with 48% at Life Pacific University. Ten years after enrolling, California Institute of Technology alumni earn a median of about $128,566, against $43,299 for Life Pacific University.

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA · Private

Life Pacific University

San Dimas, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pasadena, CA
San Dimas, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
987
456
Acceptance rate
3%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1530–1580
930–1085
ACT (middle 50%)
35–36
16–25
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,075
$20,898
Full cost / yr
$86,886
$35,062
In-state tuition
$65,898
$22,118
Out-of-state tuition
$65,898
$22,118
Application fee
$75
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$16,786
$30k - $48k
$0*
$18,984
$48k - $75k
$431
$18,255
$75k - $110k
$18,753
$23,108
Over $110k
$54,157
$25,877
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
48%
Freshman retention
97%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$132,140
$35,814
Median earnings (10 yr)
$128,566
$43,299
Median debt at graduation
Not reported
$22,395
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
54%
First-generation students
Not reported
37%
International students
14%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
May 1

* 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 Life Pacific University harder to get into?
California Institute of Technology is harder to get into. It admits about 3% of applicants, compared with 96% at Life Pacific 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 Life Pacific University?
California Institute of Technology is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,075 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,898 at Life Pacific 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 Life Pacific University?
Before aid, Life Pacific University costs about $35,062 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 Life Pacific University?
California Institute of Technology. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,133 there, against about $16,786 at Life Pacific 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 Life Pacific University?
California Institute of Technology is the larger of the two, with about 987 undergraduates against 456 at Life Pacific University.
Does California Institute of Technology or Life Pacific University have a better graduation rate?
California Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 48% at Life Pacific University.
Do graduates of California Institute of Technology or Life Pacific University earn more?
California Institute of Technology alumni earn more on average: a median of about $128,566 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,299 for Life Pacific University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California Institute of Technology and Life Pacific University require SAT or ACT scores?
California Institute of Technology requires SAT or ACT scores. Life Pacific University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do California Institute of Technology and Life Pacific University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1530–1580 at California Institute of Technology and 930–1085 at Life Pacific University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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