Skip to content

College Comparison

Ohio State 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

Ohio State University

Columbus, OH

School

Caltech

Pasadena, CA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricOhio StateCaltech
Acceptance Rate50.8%3.1%wins
SAT Range (25th–75th)1330–1480winsN/A
ACT Range (25th–75th)29–32N/A
Tuition (Out-of-State)$38,365wins$63,255
Avg Net Price$18,292wins$18,902
Median Earnings (10 yr)$60,409$128,566wins
Graduation Rate87.7%93.2%wins
Retention Rate94.1%97.8%wins
Student–Faculty Ratio18:13:1wins
Total Enrollment44,617wins1,023

Verdict

Based on the data above, Caltech edges out Ohio State 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.

Ohio State Strengths

  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1330–1480
  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $38,365
  • Avg Net Price: $18,292
  • Total Enrollment: 44,617

Caltech Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 3.1%
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $128,566
  • Graduation Rate: 93.2%
  • Retention Rate: 97.8%

Want a deeper comparison?

Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.

Open Compare Tool

Related Comparisons