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.
| Metric | | |
|---|
| Acceptance rateCalifornia Institute of Technology is more selective | 3% | 4% |
|---|
| SAT (25–75) | — | 1510–1580 |
|---|
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
|---|
| Undergrad enrollment | 987 | 8,973 |
|---|
| Avg net priceCalifornia Institute of Technology is cheaper after aid | $16,075 | $21,590 |
|---|
| Cost of attendance | — | — |
|---|
| Test policy | — | — |
|---|
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
|---|
| Location | Pasadena, CA | New York, NY |
|---|
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.