Both Caltech and Harvard are elite institutions offering exceptional academic and research opportunities. Caltech stands out with its lower student-to-faculty ratio and direct involvement with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, making it ideal for students seeking a focused STEM education. Harvard, with its larger campus and broader range of majors, provides a more diverse academic and social environment, enhanced by its guaranteed housing and strong alumni network. The choice depends on individual preferences regarding campus size, academic focus, and research interests.
| Attribute | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | Harvard University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | — | Approximately 3.59% for the Class of 2028, 3.4% for the Class of 2025 |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | — | 7:1 |
| Research Output (publications, patents) | — | Manages billions of dollars in research funds annually, generated by its large endowment |
| Endowment per Student | — | Approximately $7 million per undergraduate student. Endowment per student is estimated at $1.55 million. |
| Number of Undergraduate Majors Offered | — | Over 50 majors (concentrations) and 49 minors (secondary fields). 98 distinct undergraduate degrees, concentrated into 57 majors within 19 broad fields of study. |
| Average SAT/ACT Scores of Admitted Students | — | For the Class of 2023, the middle 50% SAT range was 710-770 for reading/writing and 750-800 for math. The middle 50% ACT composite score range was 33-35. Enrolled students have an average SAT score between 1500-1580 or an average ACT score of 34-36. |
| Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid | — | Approximately 55% of undergraduates receive need-based Harvard scholarships |
| Graduation Rate | — | Typically around 98%, 6-year graduation rate is 97% |
| Post-Graduation Employment Rate | — | Not available |
| Faculty Awards and Recognition | — | Not available |
| Campus Size and Facilities | — | Approximately 5,076 acres, including the main Cambridge campus, the Allston campus, and other landholdings. The main campus is 209 acres. Facilities include libraries, residential houses, dining halls, and athletic centers. |
| Diversity of Student Body (ethnic, geographic) | — | Undergraduate student body is diverse in terms of ethnicity, income levels, and geographic location. In 2023, the enrolled student population at Harvard University is 32.6% White, 14.8% Asian, 9.23% Hispanic or Latino, 6.44% Black or African American, 4.3% Two or More Races, 0.207% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.109% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders. Harvard's undergraduate population represents all 50 states and over 80 countries. |