Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

California Institute of Technology vs UCLA

Pasadena, CA · Los Angeles, CA · Source: IPEDS federal database

California Institute of TechnologyUCLA
Acceptance Rate3.1%8.7%
In-State Tuition$63,255$13,747
Out-of-State Tuition$63,255$44,524
Average Net Price$10,989$15,166
Graduation Rate93.0%93.0%

GradFax Analysis

California Institute of Technology accepts 3.1% of applicants. UCLA accepts 8.7%. California Institute of Technology's tuition is $63,255. UCLA's is $13,747. That's a $49,508 difference per year. Six-year graduation rates are close: 93% at California Institute of Technology, 93% at UCLA.

Bottom Line

UCLA is public; California Institute of Technology is private. If you're an in-state student, UCLA will cost significantly less. Check the net price numbers above before deciding.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →California Institute of Technology profileUCLA profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, California Institute of Technology or UCLA?

California Institute of Technology. It accepts 3.1% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is California Institute of Technology or UCLA more affordable?

UCLA has lower published tuition: $13,747 versus $63,255. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. California Institute of Technology is at 93%; UCLA is at 93%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

California Institute of Technology vs UCLA: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax