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.
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![]() California Institute of Technology |
![]() University of Chicago |
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Overview |
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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% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 3.9% | 6.5% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$100
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Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$90
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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 |
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Tuition and Fees |
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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
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$17,685 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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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 |
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Students and Campus |
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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
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Moderate
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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 |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 3:1 | 5:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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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)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees)
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Law (First Professional Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
Statistics (Master's Degrees)
Computer Science (Master's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees)
Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees)
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Public Policy Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees)
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