Caltech vs Stanford University
Odds, test scores, cost, aid and graduation rates, side by side from each school's own Common Data Set. Add more schools
Getting in
Cost and aid
Outcomes
Best value in each row is highlighted. Sticker price uses out-of-state tuition for public universities and leaves out books, travel and aid. "—" means the school left the item blank in its Common Data Set.
Caltech or Stanford University?
Is Caltech harder to get into than Stanford University?
They are about equally selective: Caltech admitted 3.8% of first-year applicants (2025-26) and Stanford University admitted 3.8% (2025-26).
What SAT scores do Caltech and Stanford University students have?
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored about 1550–1580 at Caltech and 1520–1570 at Stanford University.
Which is cheaper, Caltech or Stanford University?
Before aid, Stanford University costs about $91,518 a year in tuition, fees, food and housing, against $93,825 at Caltech (out-of-state tuition for public universities). The average need-based grant is $66,645 at Caltech and $72,166 at Stanford University.
Does Caltech or Stanford University have a higher graduation rate?
89.8% of Caltech students graduate within six years, compared with 91.6% at Stanford University.