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California Institute of Technology vs Pomona College

California Institute of Technology is a private institute in Pasadena, CA. Pomona College is a private college in Claremont, CA. California Institute of Technology admits about 3% of applicants and Pomona College about 7%, making California Institute of Technology the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $16,075 a year at California Institute of Technology after aid, and about $19,285 at Pomona College. About 94% of students graduate at California Institute of Technology, compared with 93% at Pomona College. Ten years after enrolling, California Institute of Technology alumni earn a median of about $128,566, against $77,779 for Pomona College.

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA · Private

Pomona College

Claremont, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pasadena, CA
Claremont, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
987
1,666
Acceptance rate
3%
7%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1530–1580
1490–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
35–36
33–35
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,075
$19,285
Full cost / yr
$86,886
$85,300
In-state tuition
$65,898
$65,420
Out-of-state tuition
$65,898
$65,420
Application fee
$75
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$4,841
$30k - $48k
$0*
$7,026
$48k - $75k
$431
$17,054
$75k - $110k
$18,753
$15,719
Over $110k
$54,157
$37,842
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
93%
Freshman retention
97%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$132,140
$60,850
Median earnings (10 yr)
$128,566
$77,779
Median debt at graduation
Not reported
$11,782
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
20%
First-generation students
Not reported
30%
International students
14%
14%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 8
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 8

* 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 Pomona College harder to get into?
California Institute of Technology is harder to get into. It admits about 3% of applicants, compared with 7% at Pomona College. 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 Pomona College?
California Institute of Technology is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,075 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,285 at Pomona College. 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 Pomona College?
Before aid, Pomona College costs about $85,300 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 Pomona College?
California Institute of Technology. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,133 there, against about $4,841 at Pomona College. 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 Pomona College?
Pomona College is the larger of the two, with about 1,666 undergraduates against 987 at California Institute of Technology.
Does California Institute of Technology or Pomona College have a better graduation rate?
California Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 93% at Pomona College.
Do graduates of California Institute of Technology or Pomona College earn more?
California Institute of Technology alumni earn more on average: a median of about $128,566 ten years after enrolling, against about $77,779 for Pomona College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California Institute of Technology and Pomona College require SAT or ACT scores?
California Institute of Technology requires SAT or ACT scores. Pomona College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do California Institute of Technology and Pomona College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1530–1580 at California Institute of Technology and 1490–1560 at Pomona College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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