HEAD TO HEAD · LIVE FROM IPEDS
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| Metric | MIT | Caltech | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.7% | 3.1% | MIT (easier) |
| Average SAT | 1545 | N/A | |
| Enrollment | 12,829 | 2,518 | MIT larger |
| Tuition | $60,156 | $63,402 | MIT cheaper |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $124,800 | $107,400 | MIT |
| Pell Grant Rate | 19.0% | 15.0% | Higher = more low-income students |
02
Decision scores
MIT
Caltech
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
04
Explore each school
Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.