Side-by-side comparison of tuition, graduate earnings, acceptance rate, graduation rate, student debt and more. Data automatically aggregated from public sources — errors may occur. Always verify with institutions.
| Metric | California Institute of Technology | Stanford University |
|---|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $128,566 ✓ | $124,080 |
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $132,140 ✓ | $102,887 |
| Median Earnings (8yr) | $142,597 ✓ | $109,851 |
| % Earning >$25k (6yr) | 80.5% | 87.1% ✓ |
| Graduation Rate | 94.4% ✓ | 91.9% |
| Retention Rate | 97.4% | 98.2% ✓ |
| Acceptance Rate | 2.6% | 3.6% |
| SAT Average | N/A | 1,553 |
| In-State Tuition | $65,898 ✓ | $65,910 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $65,898 ✓ | $65,910 |
| Avg Net Price (after aid) | $16,075 | $13,807 ✓ |
| Median Student Debt | N/A | $12,000 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 18.0% | 19.2% |
| First-Gen Students | N/A | 30.3% |
| Total Students | 987 | 7,554 |
| Avg Faculty Salary | $23,993 | $25,198 ✓ |
| Spend per Student | $124,489 | $154,517 ✓ |
| Endowment | $4.2B | $37.6B |
California Institute of Technology is a Private Nonprofit located in Pasadena, California. It enrolls approximately 987 students with a graduation rate of 94.4%. Graduates earn a median salary of $128,566 ten years after starting college. The acceptance rate is 2.6%.
Stanford University is a Private Nonprofit located in Stanford, California. It enrolls approximately 7,554 students with a graduation rate of 91.9%. Graduates earn a median salary of $124,080 ten years after starting college. The acceptance rate is 3.6%.
🎓 This comparison reflects publicly available data points only and may contain errors. Choosing a university involves many personal factors no dataset can capture. We strongly encourage you to visit both campuses in person, speak with current students and recent alumni, consult qualified academic advisors and financial aid officers, and seek independent professional advice before making any enrollment or financial decision.
Based on available data, California Institute of Technology has an acceptance rate of 2.6% while Stanford University has an acceptance rate of 3.6%. California Institute of Technology is slightly more selective based on this metric alone. Acceptance rates vary by program, year, and applicant profile. Always verify directly with each institution.
According to available data, California Institute of Technology graduates earn a median salary of $128,566 ten years after starting college, while Stanford University graduates earn $124,080. Earnings vary significantly by major, career path, and individual circumstances. These are median estimates from public sources and may contain errors.
After financial aid, the average net price at California Institute of Technology is $16,075 per year compared to $13,807 at Stanford University. Net price varies significantly based on family income and financial aid eligibility. These are averages — your actual cost may differ substantially. Contact each university's financial aid office for personalized estimates.
Using a simplified ROI estimate (10yr median earnings ÷ estimated 4-year cost), California Institute of Technology shows approximately 200% and Stanford University shows approximately 225%. This is a rough calculation that may contain errors — we make mistakes. Actual ROI depends on your major, career path, scholarships, loan interest, and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.
Data comparisons capture only a fraction of what makes a university the right fit. Critical factors not reflected here include campus culture, social life, research opportunities, internship networks, geographic location, specific program quality within departments, faculty mentorship, alumni connections, mental health resources, campus safety, and your personal career goals. We strongly encourage campus visits, conversations with current students, and consultation with academic and financial advisors.