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California Institute of Technology vs Northeastern University Oakland

California Institute of Technology is a private institute in Pasadena, CA, and Northeastern University Oakland is a private university in Oakland, CA. California Institute of Technology is the more selective of the two, admitting about 3% of applicants against 17% at Northeastern University Oakland. California Institute of Technology is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,075 a year against $25,181 at Northeastern University Oakland. Ten years after enrolling, California Institute of Technology alumni earn a median of about $128,566, against $92,538 for Northeastern University Oakland.

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA · Private

Northeastern University Oakland

Oakland, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pasadena, CA
Oakland, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
987
464
Acceptance rate
3%
17%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.49–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1530–1580
1420–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
35–36
32–33
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,075
$25,181
Full cost / yr
$86,886
$85,418
In-state tuition
$65,898
$67,778
Out-of-state tuition
$65,898
$67,778
Application fee
$75
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$8,161
$30k - $48k
$0*
$10,185
$48k - $75k
$431
$26,241
$75k - $110k
$18,753
$9,898
Over $110k
$54,157
$38,398
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
Not reported
Freshman retention
97%
0%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$132,140
$78,413
Median earnings (10 yr)
$128,566
$92,538
Median debt at graduation
Not reported
$24,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
27%
First-generation students
Not reported
19%
International students
14%
15%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 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 Northeastern University Oakland harder to get into?
California Institute of Technology is harder to get into. It admits about 3% of applicants, compared with 17% at Northeastern University Oakland. 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 Northeastern University Oakland?
California Institute of Technology is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,075 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,181 at Northeastern University Oakland. 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 Northeastern University Oakland?
Before aid, Northeastern University Oakland costs about $85,418 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 Northeastern University Oakland?
California Institute of Technology. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,133 there, against about $8,161 at Northeastern University Oakland. 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 Northeastern University Oakland?
California Institute of Technology is the larger of the two, with about 987 undergraduates against 464 at Northeastern University Oakland.
Do graduates of California Institute of Technology or Northeastern University Oakland earn more?
California Institute of Technology alumni earn more on average: a median of about $128,566 ten years after enrolling, against about $92,538 for Northeastern University Oakland. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California Institute of Technology and Northeastern University Oakland require SAT or ACT scores?
California Institute of Technology requires SAT or ACT scores. Northeastern University Oakland is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do California Institute of Technology and Northeastern University Oakland look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1530–1580 at California Institute of Technology and 1420–1520 at Northeastern University Oakland. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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