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College Comparison

NYU 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

NYU

New York, NY

School

Caltech

Pasadena, CA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricNYUCaltech
Acceptance Rate9.4%3.1%wins
SAT Range (25th–75th)1480–1570winsN/A
ACT Range (25th–75th)33–35N/A
Tuition (Out-of-State)$60,438wins$63,255
Avg Net Price$35,035$18,902wins
Median Earnings (10 yr)$82,509$128,566wins
Graduation Rate88.5%93.2%wins
Retention Rate95.5%97.8%wins
Student–Faculty Ratio8:13:1wins
Total Enrollment29,430wins1,023

Verdict

Based on the data above, Caltech edges out NYU 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.

NYU Strengths

  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1480–1570
  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $60,438
  • Total Enrollment: 29,430

Caltech Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 3.1%
  • Avg Net Price: $18,902
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $128,566
  • Graduation Rate: 93.2%

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