College Comparison
UCLA 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
UCLA
Los Angeles, CA
School
Caltech
Pasadena, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | UCLA | Caltech |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 8.7% | 3.1%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | N/A | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $44,524wins | $63,255 |
| Avg Net Price | $14,013wins | $18,902 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $82,511 | $128,566wins |
| Graduation Rate | 92.7% | 93.2%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.8% | 97.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 3:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 33,040wins | 1,023 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Caltech edges out UCLA on 5 of 8 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.
UCLA Strengths
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $44,524
- ✓Avg Net Price: $14,013
- ✓Total Enrollment: 33,040
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.