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California Institute of Technology vs San Francisco Conservatory of Music

California Institute of Technology is a private institute in Pasadena, CA, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music is a private university in San Francisco, CA. California Institute of Technology is the more selective of the two, admitting about 3% of applicants against 55% at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. California Institute of Technology is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,075 a year against $42,607 at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. About 94% of students graduate at California Institute of Technology, compared with 63% at San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA · Private

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

San Francisco, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pasadena, CA
San Francisco, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
987
226
Acceptance rate
3%
55%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.6–4
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
$42,607
Full cost / yr
$86,886
$78,781
In-state tuition
$65,898
$56,150
Out-of-state tuition
$65,898
$56,150
Application fee
$75
$110
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$55,704
$30k - $48k
$0*
$33,386
$48k - $75k
$431
$24,504
$75k - $110k
$18,753
$36,802
Over $110k
$54,157
$45,245
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
63%
Freshman retention
97%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$132,140
$23,988
Median earnings (10 yr)
$128,566
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
Not reported
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
17%
First-generation students
Not reported
Not reported
International students
14%
30%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Dec 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 San Francisco Conservatory of Music harder to get into?
California Institute of Technology is harder to get into. It admits about 3% of applicants, compared with 55% at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. 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 San Francisco Conservatory of Music?
California Institute of Technology is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,075 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $42,607 at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. 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 San Francisco Conservatory of Music?
Before aid, San Francisco Conservatory of Music costs about $78,781 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 San Francisco Conservatory of Music?
California Institute of Technology. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,133 there, against about $55,704 at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. 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 San Francisco Conservatory of Music?
California Institute of Technology is the larger of the two, with about 987 undergraduates against 226 at San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Does California Institute of Technology or San Francisco Conservatory of Music have a better graduation rate?
California Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 63% at San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Do California Institute of Technology and San Francisco Conservatory of Music require SAT or ACT scores?
California Institute of Technology requires SAT or ACT scores. San Francisco Conservatory of Music is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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