College Comparison
Caltech vs Amherst College: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Caltech
Pasadena, CA
School
Amherst College
Amherst, MA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Caltech | Amherst |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 3.1%wins | 9.8% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1360–1550wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 31–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $63,255wins | $67,280 |
| Avg Net Price | $18,902 | $18,246wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $128,566wins | $77,644 |
| Graduation Rate | 93.2% | 93.4%wins |
| Retention Rate | 97.8%wins | 96.8% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 3:1wins | 7:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 1,023 | 1,907wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Caltech edges out Amherst on 5 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.
Caltech Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 3.1%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $63,255
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $128,566
- ✓Retention Rate: 97.8%
Amherst Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1360–1550
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,246
- ✓Graduation Rate: 93.4%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 1,907
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