Caltech and ETH Zurich are both world-renowned STEM-focused universities. Caltech offers a more intimate learning environment with a very low student-to-faculty ratio and a strong emphasis on career placement, while ETH Zurich provides a more affordable education with a higher international student population and a strong focus on research and sustainability. The choice depends on individual priorities regarding cost, learning environment, and career goals.
| Attribute | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | ETH Zurich |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | — | Approximately 27% for international students. |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | — | 100:1 |
| Research Output (publications, citations) | — | 194,533 publications, 4,825,488 citation statements |
| Endowment per Student | — | Not available |
| Number of Nobel Laureates | — | 22 |
| Global Ranking (e.g., QS, THE) | — | QS (2026): 7th, THE (2024): 11th, ARWU (2023): 20th |
| Program Specialization (STEM focus) | — | Primarily focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). |
| Campus Size and Facilities | — | Two main campuses: Zentrum and Hönggerberg. Modern laboratories, libraries, and recreational areas. |
| International Student Percentage | — | Approximately 37% |
| Tuition and Fees | — | EUR 1,460 annually for international students; CHF 1,500 per year for Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral programs. |
| Location and Accessibility | — | Zurich, Switzerland; urban campus. |
| Career Placement Rate | — | 87.2 (2025) |