Caltech vs Harvard
How Caltech and Harvard stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Caltech | Harvard | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 3% | 4.2% |
| SAT (middle 50%) | 1530-1580 | 1580-1600 |
| Testing policy | Required | Required |
| Type | Private | Private |
| Location | CA | MA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $90,822 | $83,000 |
| Average cost after aid | $23,397 | $18,000 |
| Supplemental essays | 2 | 5 |
- Caltech is harder to get into than Harvard (3% versus 4.2%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, Harvard is usually the cheaper option ($18,000 versus $23,397 per year on average).
- Harvard asks for more supplemental writing (5 essays versus 2), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
Caltech vs Harvard FAQ
Is Caltech or Harvard harder to get into?
Caltech is harder to get into, admitting about 3% of applicants versus 4.2% at Harvard.
Is Caltech or Harvard cheaper?
After financial aid, Harvard is usually cheaper, about $18,000 per year on average versus $23,397 at Caltech.
See your real chances at Caltech and Harvard.
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