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Universities: California Institute of Technology (Caltech) vs. Stanford University

Quick Verdict

Caltech and Stanford are both elite institutions, but they cater to different preferences. Caltech offers a more intimate academic environment with a stronger focus on STEM and a lower student-faculty ratio. Stanford provides a broader range of programs, a larger campus, and greater research funding, making it suitable for students seeking diverse opportunities and a vibrant campus life.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeCalifornia Institute of Technology (Caltech)Stanford University
Acceptance Rate—Around 4%. For the Class of 2027, it was 3.9%.
Student-Faculty Ratio—Approximately 6:1. Some sources state 5:1.
Research Output—Classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities Very high research activity". In fiscal years 2021/22, research expenditure was $1.82 billion with 7,900 sponsored projects.
Endowment Size—As of August 31, 2024, Stanford's endowment was $37.6 billion. Another source states that it was $36.4 billion at the end of 2023.
Number of Undergraduate Programs—Offers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Sciences, and Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degrees. There are 66 fields of undergraduate study.
Number of Graduate Programs—Offers approximately 150 graduate programs. There are 170 graduate programs and 241 major programs.
Strength in STEM fields—Renowned for its strength in STEM fields, particularly in engineering and computer science.
Strength in Humanities/Arts—The School of Humanities and Sciences is the largest school at Stanford, offering a world-class liberal arts education.
Campus Size and Facilities—The main campus is 8,180 acres (3,310 hectares), one of the largest in the U.S.. The campus includes 630 buildings.
Location and Accessibility—In the San Francisco Bay Area, near Palo Alto. It is located in the heart of Silicon Valley.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives—Has diversity and inclusion programs and resources.
Career Services and Placement Rate—Has a high placement rate. One source claims an 88% placement rate for MBA graduates. Another source claims 96% of graduates receive job offers within three months of completing their studies.

Overall Comparison

Caltech: 2.3% Acceptance Rate, 3:1 Student-Faculty Ratio, $4.6B Endowment. Stanford: ~4% Acceptance Rate, ~6:1 Student-Faculty Ratio, $37.6B Endowment.

Pros and Cons

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Pros:
  • Low student-to-faculty ratio (3:1)
  • High research activity (R1)
  • Strong STEM programs
  • Diversity and inclusion initiatives
  • High undergraduate employment rate (93%)
  • High four-year graduation rate (81%)
  • Accessibility to world-class faculty & resources
  • Personalized & better quality of education
  • Personalized attention and interaction in the learning process (71% of classes have fewer than 20 students)
  • Accommodation for nearly 93% of students
Cons:
  • Extremely competitive acceptance rate
  • Grade deflation or inflation data not available

Stanford University

Pros:
  • Extremely selective acceptance rate
  • Close interaction between students and faculty
  • Very high research activity
  • One of the largest academic endowments in the United States
  • Offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Renowned for its strength in STEM fields
  • Offers a world-class liberal arts education
  • One of the largest campuses in the U.S.
  • Located in the heart of Silicon Valley
  • High placement rate
Cons:
  • No major disadvantages reported.

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