California Institute of Technology vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UMich)

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UMich) stand as two prominent beacons of higher education, each offering a distinct academic experience. Caltech, renowned for its rigorous STEM programs and intimate learning environment, boasts an acceptance rate of 7.7%, making it highly selective. UMich, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive range of disciplines, including strong programs in the humanities and social sciences, and welcomes a larger and more diverse student body, with an acceptance rate of 28.6%. While both institutions excel in research and innovation, Caltech's focus on science and engineering sets it apart, while UMich's breadth of academic offerings and vibrant campus life create a unique educational landscape. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to discover more about these exceptional universities and determine which one aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	California Institute of Technology	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Overview
Location	Pasadena, California	Ann Arbor, Michigan
Campus setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Quarter	Trimester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	99.0%	97.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	3.9%	20.2%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $100	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants	13,026	79,743
Total number of admissions given out	510	16,071
Admitted students who chose to enroll	270	7,290
Yield rate	52.9%	45.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Not required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$82,122	In state: $32,272 Out of state: $69,326
Average net price	$30,162	$19,205
Tuition	$56,364	In state: $15,850 Out of state: $52,904
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $10,398 Meal plan: $7,350	$12,592
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	54.0% Average amount $47,556	59.0% Average amount $16,326
Students receiving federal student loan	5.0% Average amount $5,333	24.0% Average amount $5,311
Students taking out private loans	15.0% Average amount $4,732	3.0% Average amount $21,796

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	987 Men 55.3% Women 44.7%	32,282 Men 48.8% Women 51.2%
Graduate students	1,410 Men 66.7% Women 33.3%	17,996 Men 49.4% Women 50.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	92.2%	N/A
International students	29.4%	15.7%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	1,572	11,629
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	California Texas Georgia Maryland Florida	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Engineering Physical Science Computer and Information Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences Mathematics and Statistics	Engineering Health Professions Business Public Administration and Social Service Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	3:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	92.9%	93.7%
Dropout rate	4.6%	5.7%
Transferred out	1.7%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $155,297 Year 3: N/A Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $129,693 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: N/A Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $59,996 Year 2: $89,875 Year 3: N/A	Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $185,139 Year 2: $178,741 Year 3: $197,723 Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $209,842 Year 2: $168,125 Year 3: $177,935 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $146,285 Year 2: $139,927 Year 3: $151,208 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $139,794 Year 2: $140,166 Year 3: $148,785 Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $118,208 Year 2: $112,215 Year 3: $137,273 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $78,398 Year 2: $97,071 Year 3: $123,926 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $100,643 Year 2: $94,281 Year 3: $117,745 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $102,847 Year 2: $116,354 Year 3: $116,465 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $96,171 Year 2: $99,772 Year 3: $107,831 Engineering, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,194 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $101,999

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Caltech and the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor?

Caltech is a small, private research university focused almost exclusively on science and engineering. It's known for its intense academic environment and close-knit community. The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is a large, public research university with a broad range of academic programs, including strong offerings in the humanities, social sciences, and professional fields like business and law. Michigan offers a more diverse student body and a wider array of extracurricular activities.
Which school is better for STEM fields?

Both are excellent for STEM, but Caltech is arguably more specialized and renowned specifically for its cutting-edge research and rigorous undergraduate programs in science and engineering. The University of Michigan also has outstanding STEM programs, particularly in engineering and computer science, and offers a broader range of STEM disciplines, including pre-med and health sciences, with more interdisciplinary opportunities.
How do the campus cultures compare?

Caltech has a very collaborative and intense academic culture. Students often work together on problem sets and research projects. It's a smaller, more insular community. The University of Michigan has a more diverse and vibrant campus culture, with a strong emphasis on school spirit and a wide range of student organizations and activities. It offers a more traditional 'college town' experience.
What are the differences in size and location?

Caltech is a small university located in Pasadena, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. Its small size fosters a close-knit community. The University of Michigan is a large university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a vibrant college town. Its larger size offers a wider range of resources and opportunities.
How do the admissions processes differ?

Both universities have highly selective admissions processes. Caltech is known for its emphasis on exceptional academic achievement in math and science, as well as demonstrated research experience. The University of Michigan also values academic excellence but considers a broader range of factors, including extracurricular involvement, leadership experience, and essays, especially for out-of-state applicants.
What is the cost of attendance and financial aid like at each school?

Both Caltech and the University of Michigan have high costs of attendance. However, both institutions offer generous financial aid packages. Caltech is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need. The University of Michigan also offers need-based and merit-based aid, with more substantial aid packages generally available to in-state students.
Which school is better for undergraduate research opportunities?

Both offer excellent undergraduate research opportunities. Caltech emphasizes research from the very beginning of a student's academic career, with many students participating in research projects as early as their freshman year. The University of Michigan also provides numerous research opportunities, particularly through its undergraduate research opportunity program (UROP) and various departmental initiatives. The sheer size of Michigan means more labs and research projects are available, but Caltech's smaller size means undergraduates may have more direct access to faculty.
How do the career prospects differ for graduates of each school?

Graduates from both Caltech and the University of Michigan are highly sought after by employers. Caltech graduates are often recruited for research positions, graduate programs, and high-tech companies. University of Michigan graduates find employment in a wider range of industries, including business, law, medicine, and engineering, due to the university's broader academic offerings and extensive alumni network.
What are the advantages of attending a smaller school like Caltech?

The advantages of attending a smaller school like Caltech include smaller class sizes, more personalized attention from faculty, and a stronger sense of community. Students have more opportunities to collaborate with peers and participate in research projects. The close-knit environment can be particularly beneficial for students who thrive in a highly focused and supportive academic setting.
What are the advantages of attending a larger school like the University of Michigan?

The advantages of attending a larger school like the University of Michigan include a wider range of academic programs, more diverse student body, and a greater variety of extracurricular activities. Students have access to more resources, including libraries, research facilities, and career services. The larger alumni network can also be a valuable asset for career development.
How does the social life compare between Caltech and the University of Michigan?

Caltech's social life is often centered around academics and shared interests within the STEM fields. While there are social events and clubs, the focus is often on collaboration and intellectual pursuits. The University of Michigan offers a more traditional and diverse social scene, with a strong emphasis on school spirit, sports, Greek life, and a wide range of student organizations. Ann Arbor is a vibrant college town with numerous social opportunities.
Which school is better for students interested in interdisciplinary studies?

While Caltech is intensely focused on STEM, the University of Michigan generally offers more opportunities for interdisciplinary studies due to its broader range of academic programs and its emphasis on cross-departmental collaboration. Students at Michigan can easily combine studies in different fields, such as engineering and business, or science and the humanities.

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