College Comparison
Caltech vs Yale University: 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
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Caltech | Yale |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 3.1%wins | 4.5% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 1500–1580wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | 33–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $63,255wins | $64,700 |
| Avg Net Price | $18,902wins | $27,818 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $128,566wins | $100,533 |
| Graduation Rate | 93.2% | 96.3%wins |
| Retention Rate | 97.8% | 99.0%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 3:1wins | 6:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 1,023 | 6,811wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Caltech edges out Yale 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
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,902
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $128,566
Yale Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1580
- ✓Graduation Rate: 96.3%
- ✓Retention Rate: 99.0%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 6,811
Want a deeper comparison?
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