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California Institute of Technology vs University of Southern California

California Institute of Technology is a private institute in Pasadena, CA. University of Southern California is a private university in Los Angeles, CA. California Institute of Technology admits about 3% of applicants and University of Southern California about 10%, 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 $32,740 at University of Southern California. About 94% of students graduate at California Institute of Technology, compared with 92% at University of Southern California. Ten years after enrolling, California Institute of Technology alumni earn a median of about $128,566, against $92,498 for University of Southern California.

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA · Private

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
987
20,443
Acceptance rate
3%
10%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1530–1580
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
35–36
32–35
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,075
$32,740
Full cost / yr
$86,886
$90,300
In-state tuition
$65,898
$72,097
Out-of-state tuition
$65,898
$72,097
Application fee
$75
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$0*
$13,516
$30k - $48k
$0*
$14,394
$48k - $75k
$431
$19,539
$75k - $110k
$18,753
$24,976
Over $110k
$54,157
$56,116
Outcomes
Graduation rate
94%
92%
Freshman retention
97%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$132,140
$74,461
Median earnings (10 yr)
$128,566
$92,498
Median debt at graduation
Not reported
$18,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
18%
22%
First-generation students
Not reported
25%
International students
14%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 4
Jan 10

* 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 Southern California harder to get into?
California Institute of Technology is harder to get into. It admits about 3% of applicants, compared with 10% at University of Southern California. 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 Southern California?
California Institute of Technology is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,075 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,740 at University of Southern California. 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 Southern California?
Before aid, California Institute of Technology costs about $86,886 a year and University of Southern California about $90,300. 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 Southern California?
California Institute of Technology. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-2,133 there, against about $13,516 at University of Southern California. 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 Southern California?
University of Southern California is the larger of the two, with about 20,443 undergraduates against 987 at California Institute of Technology.
Does California Institute of Technology or University of Southern California have a better graduation rate?
California Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, at about 94% against 92% at University of Southern California.
Do graduates of California Institute of Technology or University of Southern California earn more?
California Institute of Technology alumni earn more on average: a median of about $128,566 ten years after enrolling, against about $92,498 for University of Southern California. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California Institute of Technology and University of Southern California require SAT or ACT scores?
California Institute of Technology requires SAT or ACT scores. University of Southern California is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do California Institute of Technology and University of Southern California look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1530–1580 at California Institute of Technology and 1450–1550 at University of Southern California. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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