College Comparison
UC Berkeley vs Caltech: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
UC Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
School
Caltech
Pasadena, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UC Berkeley | Caltech |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 11.7% | 3.1%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $45,627wins | $63,255 |
| Avg Net Price | $14,979wins | $18,902 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,446 | $128,566wins |
| Graduation Rate | 92.9% | 93.2%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.8% | 97.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 3:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,073wins | 1,023 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Caltech edges out UC Berkeley on 5 of 8 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.
UC Berkeley Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $45,627
- ✓Avg Net Price: $14,979
- ✓Total Enrollment: 33,073
Caltech Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 3.1%
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $128,566
- ✓Graduation Rate: 93.2%
- ✓Retention Rate: 97.8%
Want a deeper comparison?
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