Caltech vs MIT: How to Decide Between Two STEM Powerhouses
When researching the best colleges for science-focused students, two names appear again and again: the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). For many STEM candidates, the Caltech vs MIT debate is one of the toughest choices in the entire application process.
If you are weighing Caltech vs MIT, you probably want to know how they compare in academics, undergraduate research opportunities, campus life, and alumni outcomes. This guide highlights both the similarities and differences so you can make an informed decision.
Caltech vs MIT: At a Glance
Both schools are elite private research universities heavily focused on STEM. Caltech is located in Pasadena, California, near Los Angeles, while MIT is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just across the river from Boston.
Here are quick statistics that highlight some of the biggest differences between Caltech and MIT:
| Criterion | Caltech | MIT |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Pasadena, CA | Cambridge, MA |
| US News Ranking | 6 | 2 |
| Acceptance Rate | 3.1% | 4.5% |
| Total Undergraduate Enrollment | 987 | 4,535 |
| Total Graduate Enrollment | 1,300 | 6,990 |
| Median SAT Range | 1530-1570 | 1520-1580 |
| Tuition | $63,400 | $64,300 |
| Number of Majors Offered | 28 | 54 |
| Number of Professors | 300 | 1,067 |
| Student to Faculty Ratio | 3:1 | 3:1 |
| Implementation of Core Curriculum | Yes | Yes |
| Median Alumni Salary | $115,000 | $126,500 |
MIT is significantly larger than Caltech in both student body and faculty size. Although both share a 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio, MIT students have access to over three times as many professors and nearly twice the number of majors.
Location and Living: Caltech vs MIT
Caltech’s 124-acre campus is in Pasadena, a smaller city about 11 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Students enjoy access to Old Town Pasadena, the Playhouse District, and the cultural and professional opportunities of LA. Most undergraduates live in one of Caltech’s 11 residence halls, each with unique traditions. First-year students visit each hall and rank preferences before being placed, which helps create strong community ties.
MIT’s 126-acre campus is in Cambridge along the Charles River, with easy access to Boston. Students are surrounded by opportunities for food, entertainment, and professional networking. MIT also offers 11 residence halls for undergraduates, each with its own community and resources. All freshmen live on campus, and many continue in dorms or nearby housing after their first year.
Academics: Caltech vs MIT
Both Caltech and MIT have rigorous core requirements to ensure a strong foundation in science and math.
At Caltech, students complete courses in multivariable calculus, physics, chemistry, biology, writing, humanities, and social sciences. Majors fall within six divisions: Biology, Chemistry, Engineering and Applied Science, Geological and Planetary Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy. Caltech offers 28 majors, including highly specialized options such as Geobiology or History and Philosophy of Science.
MIT offers 54 majors across its schools: Architecture and Planning, Engineering, Humanities Arts and Social Sciences, Management, Science, and the Schwarzman College of Computing. MIT students must complete science foundations, humanities and social science courses, communication-intensive classes, labs, and physical education. With nearly twice the majors of Caltech, MIT provides a broader academic selection and more interdisciplinary pathways.
If you are deciding between Caltech vs MIT, Caltech is known for its small and specialized programs, while MIT offers wider academic variety.
Research Opportunities: Caltech vs MIT
Research is central to the student experience at both schools.
At Caltech, more than 80 percent of students conduct research before graduation. Many begin as early as their first year. Caltech has 96 research centers in fields ranging from astronomy and planetary science to neuroscience and engineering. Students also have access to national programs such as Mellon Mays and Amgen Scholars, along with Caltech-specific opportunities like SURF, GROWTH SURF, LIGO SURF, and the WAVE Fellows program.
MIT is equally research-driven, with the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) integrated into student life. Nearly every MIT student participates in research at some point, with options for pay, credit, or volunteering. UROP projects span MIT’s 68 research centers and often resemble a job board, where faculty post openings for ongoing projects. Students can also propose independent research topics.
In the Caltech vs MIT comparison, both schools are leaders in research. Caltech offers smaller, faculty-focused opportunities, while MIT provides a wider variety of projects across disciplines.
Campus and Social Life: Caltech vs MIT
Caltech has more than 100 student organizations, ranging from academics and arts to politics and community service. Music is a strong presence with multiple orchestras, jazz bands, and chamber ensembles. Caltech also has unique clubs such as the Electric Vehicle Club. Student life is further shaped by Caltech’s eight residential Houses, which provide long-term communities similar to fraternities but without rushing or pledging.
MIT offers more than 450 student groups, with options that are both traditional and quirky. Students can join clubs such as the Laboratory for Chocolate Science or Puppy Lab. MIT also has a strong athletics program, with 33 varsity teams, 35 club sports, and nine fitness and recreation centers. Greek life is larger at MIT than at Caltech, with over half of students joining fraternities or sororities after freshman year.
Alumni Outcomes: Caltech vs MIT
Caltech has an 84 percent four-year graduation rate and a median starting salary of $68,400. Alumni often pursue STEM-focused careers or graduate study, with many working at organizations like NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Apple, or Northrop Grumman.
MIT has an 82 percent four-year graduation rate and a median starting salary of $70,300. Graduates are found across industries and around the globe, working for companies like Google, Microsoft, McKinsey, and Capital One. With a larger alumni network, MIT provides broader connections across both STEM and non-STEM fields.
Caltech vs MIT: The Bottom Line
The Caltech vs MIT choice is one of the most difficult decisions for aspiring STEM students. Both are world-class institutions with rigorous academics, strong research opportunities, and impressive alumni networks. Caltech provides an intimate campus experience with smaller class sizes and specialized majors. MIT offers more majors, larger research networks, and a broader campus culture.
If you are comparing Caltech vs MIT, think carefully about your goals, academic interests, and the type of environment where you will thrive. Visiting campuses, exploring majors, and talking to current students can help you make the right decision. If you would like expert guidance as you prepare your applications, consider connecting with one of our admissions counselors who can help you build a strategy for success.