College Comparison
Columbia 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
Columbia University
New York, NY
School
Caltech
Pasadena, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Columbia | Caltech |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.2% | 3.1%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1490–1570wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $69,045 | $63,255wins |
| Avg Net Price | $20,148 | $18,902wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $102,491 | $128,566wins |
| Graduation Rate | 95.0%wins | 93.2% |
| Retention Rate | 97.2% | 97.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1 | 3:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 8,899wins | 1,023 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Caltech edges out Columbia on 6 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.
Columbia Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1490–1570
- ✓Graduation Rate: 95.0%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 8,899
Caltech Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 3.1%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $63,255
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,902
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $128,566
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