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California Institute of Technology vs University of Silicon Valley

California Institute of Technology is a private institute in Pasadena, CA, and University of Silicon Valley is a private for-profit university in San Jose, CA. California Institute of Technology is the more selective of the two, admitting about 3% of applicants against 51% at University of Silicon Valley. California Institute of Technology is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,075 a year against $27,815 at University of Silicon Valley. About 94% of students graduate at California Institute of Technology, compared with 31% at University of Silicon Valley. Ten years after enrolling, California Institute of Technology alumni earn a median of about $128,566, against $51,017 for University of Silicon Valley.

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA · Private

University of Silicon Valley

San Jose, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Pasadena, CA
San Jose, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
987
455
Acceptance rate
3%
51%
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 blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,075
$27,815
Full cost / yr
$86,886
$35,722
In-state tuition
$65,898
$22,480
Out-of-state tuition
$65,898
$22,480
Application fee
$75
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$24,350
$30k - $48k
$0*
$27,140
$48k - $75k
$431
$28,102
$75k - $110k
$18,753
$28,144
Over $110k
$54,157
$34,379
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
31%
Freshman retention
97%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$132,140
$39,802
Median earnings (10 yr)
$128,566
$51,017
Median debt at graduation
Not reported
$31,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
50%
First-generation students
Not reported
28%
International students
14%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 4
Rolling

* 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 University of Silicon Valley harder to get into?
California Institute of Technology is harder to get into. It admits about 3% of applicants, compared with 51% at University of Silicon Valley. 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 University of Silicon Valley?
California Institute of Technology is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,075 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,815 at University of Silicon Valley. 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 University of Silicon Valley?
Before aid, University of Silicon Valley costs about $35,722 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 University of Silicon Valley?
California Institute of Technology. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,133 there, against about $24,350 at University of Silicon Valley. 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 University of Silicon Valley?
California Institute of Technology is the larger of the two, with about 987 undergraduates against 455 at University of Silicon Valley.
Does California Institute of Technology or University of Silicon Valley have a better graduation rate?
California Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 31% at University of Silicon Valley.
Do graduates of California Institute of Technology or University of Silicon Valley earn more?
California Institute of Technology alumni earn more on average: a median of about $128,566 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,017 for University of Silicon Valley. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California Institute of Technology and University of Silicon Valley require SAT or ACT scores?
California Institute of Technology requires SAT or ACT scores. University of Silicon Valley is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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