UChicago vs California Institute of Technology

Envision yourself pursuing higher education at two of the nation's most prestigious institutions: the University of Chicago and the California Institute of Technology. While both universities share a reputation for academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences. The University of Chicago, rooted in the heart of a vibrant metropolis, boasts a diverse student body and a vast array of academic programs, including renowned strengths in the humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences. In contrast, Caltech, nestled in the serene foothills of Pasadena, is known for its exceptional programs in science, engineering, and technology, attracting students with a passion for pushing the boundaries of knowledge. As you embark on your academic journey, explore the nuances of these two esteemed institutions, comparing acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation outcomes, to find the perfect fit for your aspirations and goals.
California Institute of Technology logo

California Institute of Technology

University of Chicago logo

University of Chicago

Overview

Location Pasadena, California Chicago, Illinois
Campus setting City: Midsize City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Quarter Quarter
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 99.0% 99.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 3.9% 6.5%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $100
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $90
SAT range N/A 1510 - 1580
ACT range N/A 33 - 35
Students submitting SAT score 49.0%
Students submitting ACT score 35.0%
Total number of applicants 13,026 37,974
Total number of admissions given out 510 2,460
Admitted students who chose to enroll 270 2,053
Yield rate 52.9% 83.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Not 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 $84,126
Average net price $30,162 $33,727
Tuition $56,364 $59,256
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $10,398

Meal plan: $7,350
$17,685
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

54.0%
Average amount $47,556
52.0%
Average amount $48,412
Students receiving federal student loan 5.0%
Average amount $5,333
6.0%
Average amount $5,265
Students taking out private loans 15.0%
Average amount $4,732
2.0%
Average amount $37,860

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 987
Men 55.3% Women 44.7%
7,636
Men 52.2% Women 47.8%
Graduate students 1,410
Men 66.7% Women 33.3%
11,196
Men 55.1% Women 44.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 92.2% N/A
International students 29.4% 28.5%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Large
Dormitory capacity 1,572 4,584
First year students are required to live on campus? No Yes
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
  • Business
  • Social Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio 3:1 5:1
Institutional accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 92.9% 95.9%
Dropout rate 4.6% 1.7%
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
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $181,006
  • Year 2: $171,510
  • Year 3: $219,263
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $159,677
  • Year 2: $159,442
  • Year 3: $178,485
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $93,918
  • Year 2: $91,211
  • Year 3: $142,172
Statistics (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $119,416
  • Year 2: $116,083
  • Year 3: $131,549
Computer Science (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $108,094
  • Year 2: $92,277
  • Year 3: $105,545
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $82,564
  • Year 2: $85,637
  • Year 3: $96,012
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $99,684
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $91,550
Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,121
  • Year 2: $70,083
  • Year 3: $82,672
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,753
  • Year 2: $72,022
  • Year 3: $81,130
Public Policy Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,165
  • Year 2: $52,663
  • Year 3: $73,510

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