College comparison

California Institute of Technology vs Columbia University in the City of New York

A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.

Quick answers

Is California Institute of Technology or Columbia University in the City of New York harder to get into?

California Institute of Technology is more selective: California Institute of Technology's acceptance rate is approximately 3% and Columbia University in the City of New York's is approximately 4% (estimates from public and primary sources).

What SAT score do you need for California Institute of Technology vs Columbia University in the City of New York?

The middle-50% SAT range is — at California Institute of Technology and 1510–1580 at Columbia University in the City of New York. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.

Which is cheaper, California Institute of Technology or Columbia University in the City of New York?

California Institute of Technology has the lower average net price after aid: $16,075 at California Institute of Technology vs $21,590 at Columbia University in the City of New York. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.

Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.

These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.