Caltech vs. Smith College

Comparable Facts

Compare California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA with Smith College in Northampton, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Smith College is larger than Caltech based on total student enrollment (2,857 students vs. 2,430 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Institute of Technology is located in Pasadena, CA (Midsize City setting); Smith College is in Northampton, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• California Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Smith College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Institute of Technology 3:1; Smith College 8:1.

Caltech vs. Smith College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caltech or Smith College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California Institute of Technology than Smith College ($14,513 vs. $27,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California Institute of Technology are 10.1% lower than at Smith College ($20,283 vs. $22,570).
• California Institute of Technology is 1.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Smith College (about $720 more per year; $65,898.00 vs. $65,178.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at Caltech than at Smith College (about $720 more per year; $65,898.00 vs. $65,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Smith College than at California Institute of Technology (67% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California Institute of Technology students is 23.2% larger than aid received by Smith College students ($72,373 vs. $58,725).

Caltech vs. Smith College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Caltech or Smith College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Smith College and Caltech.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Institute of Technology (1560) is 80 points higher than at Smith College (1480).
• Incoming Caltech students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 33 at Smith College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 1530/1580; Smith College 1420/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Institute of Technology 35/36; Smith College 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caltech - Required; Smith College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Caltech Jan 3, 2027; Smith College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Smith College students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Caltech (3.97).
• Smith College has a higher acceptance rate (21%) than Caltech (2.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 61.2% at Caltech vs. 35.4% at Smith College.

Caltech vs. Smith College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caltech and Smith College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California Institute of Technology's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Smith College's (85%).
• Graduates from California Institute of Technology earn a median of about $36,900 more per year than Smith College graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,800 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Institute of Technology graduates have a $4,650 lower median loan debt than Smith College graduates ($14,350 vs. $19,000).
• Among borrowers, Caltech graduates have an estimated $48 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Smith College graduates ($148 vs. $196).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.