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California Institute of Technology vs Stanford University

California Institute of Technology is a private institute in Pasadena, CA, and Stanford University is a private university in Stanford, CA. California Institute of Technology is the more selective of the two, admitting about 3% of applicants against 4% at Stanford University. Stanford University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,807 a year against $16,075 at California Institute of Technology. About 94% of students graduate at California Institute of Technology, compared with 92% at Stanford University. Ten years after enrolling, California Institute of Technology alumni earn a median of about $128,566, against $124,080 for Stanford University.

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA · Private

Stanford University

Stanford, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pasadena, CA
Stanford, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
987
7,554
Acceptance rate
3%
4%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1530–1580
1510–1580
ACT (middle 50%)
35–36
34–35
Test policy
Required
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,075
$13,807
Full cost / yr
$86,886
$87,833
In-state tuition
$65,898
$65,910
Out-of-state tuition
$65,898
$65,910
Application fee
$75
$90
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$0*
$30k - $48k
$0*
$0*
$48k - $75k
$431
$3,212
$75k - $110k
$18,753
$11,092
Over $110k
$54,157
$53,882
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
92%
Freshman retention
97%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$132,140
$102,887
Median earnings (10 yr)
$128,566
$124,080
Median debt at graduation
Not reported
$12,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
19%
First-generation students
Not reported
30%
International students
14%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 5

* 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 Stanford University harder to get into?
California Institute of Technology is harder to get into. It admits about 3% of applicants, compared with 4% at Stanford 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 Stanford University?
Stanford University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,807 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $16,075 at California Institute of Technology. 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 Stanford University?
Before aid, California Institute of Technology costs about $86,886 a year and Stanford University about $87,833. 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 Stanford University?
Stanford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,536 there, against about $-2,133 at California Institute of Technology. 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 Stanford University?
Stanford University is the larger of the two, with about 7,554 undergraduates against 987 at California Institute of Technology.
Does California Institute of Technology or Stanford University have a better graduation rate?
California Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 92% at Stanford University.
Do graduates of California Institute of Technology or Stanford University earn more?
California Institute of Technology alumni earn more on average: a median of about $128,566 ten years after enrolling, against about $124,080 for Stanford University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California Institute of Technology and Stanford University require SAT or ACT scores?
California Institute of Technology requires SAT or ACT scores. Stanford University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do California Institute of Technology and Stanford University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1530–1580 at California Institute of Technology and 1510–1580 at Stanford University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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