College Comparison
USC 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
USC
Los Angeles, CA
School
Caltech
Pasadena, CA
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | USC | Caltech |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 10.0% | 3.1%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1440–1550wins | N/A |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 32–35 | N/A |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $68,237 | $63,255wins |
| Avg Net Price | $31,927 | $18,902wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $92,498 | $128,566wins |
| Graduation Rate | 92.0% | 93.2%wins |
| Retention Rate | 96.5% | 97.8%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 9:1 | 3:1wins |
| Total Enrollment | 20,817wins | 1,023 |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Caltech edges out USC on 7 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.
USC Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1440–1550
- ✓Total Enrollment: 20,817
Caltech Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 3.1%
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $63,255
- ✓Avg Net Price: $18,902
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $128,566
Want a deeper comparison?
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