Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

California Institute of Technology vs USC

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

California Institute of TechnologyUSC
Acceptance Rate3.1%10.0%
In-State Tuition$63,255$68,237
Out-of-State Tuition$63,255$68,237
Average Net Price$10,989$23,317
Graduation Rate93.0%92.0%

GradFax Analysis

California Institute of Technology accepts 3.1% of applicants. USC accepts 10.0%. California Institute of Technology's tuition is $63,255. USC's is $68,237. California Institute of Technology is cheaper. Six-year graduation rates are close: 93% at California Institute of Technology, 92% at USC.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →California Institute of Technology profileUSC profile

Common Questions

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

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

Source: IPEDS

Is California Institute of Technology or USC more affordable?

California Institute of Technology has lower published tuition: $63,255 versus $68,237. 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%; USC is at 92%.

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 USC: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax