DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 120 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29
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MIT vs Caltech

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PRIVATE

MIT

Cambridge, MA
58
DECISION SCORE
vs
METRICS
SCHOOL B · PRIVATE

Caltech

Pasadena, CA
58
DECISION SCORE
01

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted
MetricMITCaltechEdge
Acceptance Rate 4.7% 3.1% MIT (easier)
Average SAT 1545 N/A
Enrollment 12,829 2,518 MIT larger
Median Earnings (10yr) $143,372 $128,566 MIT
Median Debt $14,768 N/A
Pell Grant Rate 19.0% 15.0% Higher = more low-income students
02

Decision scores

MIT

58 Overall Fit 50 ROI 27 Transfer

Caltech

58 Overall Fit 50 ROI 24 Transfer
03

Top majors

MIT

Engineering 29.7%
Computer Science 27.7%
Mathematics/Statistics 11.0%
Multidisciplinary 9.8%
Physical Sciences 7.8%

Caltech

Engineering 36.1%
Computer Science 30.5%
Physical Sciences 16.3%
Mathematics/Statistics 10.7%
Biological Sciences 6.0%

Which Should You Choose?

Both MIT and Caltech are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

  • If location matters: MIT is in Cambridge, MA while Caltech is in Pasadena, CA
  • If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
  • If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
  • If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

MIT vs Caltech FAQs

Which is harder to get into, MIT or Caltech?
Caltech is harder to get into, with a 3.1% acceptance rate vs MIT's 4.7%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.
Which is more expensive, MIT or Caltech?
Caltech has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($86,886/yr) vs MIT ($82,730/yr) — a difference of $4,156/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $11,815/yr at MIT vs $13,664/yr at Caltech.
Which has higher graduate earnings, MIT or Caltech?
MIT graduates earn more — a median of $143,372 10 years post-grad, vs $128,566 at Caltech. Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.
Which should I choose, MIT or Caltech?
It depends on your priorities. MIT is in Cambridge, MA; Caltech is in Pasadena, CA. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).
Which has better programs, MIT or Caltech?
Both MIT and Caltech have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — MIT's salary page and Caltech's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.
04

Explore each school

MIT
Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI
CALTECH
Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.