College Comparison
Boston University 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
Boston University
Boston, MA
School
Caltech
Pasadena, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Boston University | Caltech |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.8% | 3.1%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1400–1520wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–34 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $65,168 | $63,255wins |
| Avg Net Price | $26,996 | $18,902wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $83,238 | $128,566wins |
| Graduation Rate | 90.0% | 93.2%wins |
| Retention Rate | 94.5% | 97.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 10:1 | 3:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 17,850wins | 1,023 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Caltech edges out Boston University on 7 of 9 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.
Boston University Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1400–1520
- ✓Total Enrollment: 17,850
Caltech Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 3.1%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $63,255
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,902
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $128,566
Want a deeper comparison?
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