Head-to-head · 2026
California Institute of Technology vs Carnegie Mellon University
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 5 wins for California Institute of Technology, 0 for Carnegie Mellon University — California Institute of Technology has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | California Institute of Technology | Carnegie Mellon University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 19.99 ✓ | 8.99 |
| Avg net price | $16,075 ✓ | $31,944 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $128,566 ✓ | $114,862 |
| Acceptance rate | 2.6% ✓ | 11.7% |
| Graduation rate | 94.4% ✓ | 94.1% |
| Median debt | — | $21,750 |
| Enrollment | 987 | 7,304 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 1546 |
| Wins | 5 | 0 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Carnegie Mellon University costs $15,869 more per year than California Institute of Technology ($31,944 vs $16,075). California Institute of Technology graduates report $13,704 higher median earnings after ten years ($128,566 vs $114,862). On EduGradify's model that puts California Institute of Technology ahead on projected ROI (19.99 vs 8.99, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (California Institute of Technology) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, California Institute of Technology is highly competitive at 2.6% acceptance versus 11.7% (highly competitive) at Carnegie Mellon University.
Frequently asked
California Institute of Technology vs Carnegie Mellon University, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is California Institute of Technology or Carnegie Mellon University the better value?
California Institute of Technology has the higher EduGradify ROI score (19.99 vs 8.99), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
California Institute of Technology is cheaper — average net price $16,075 per year vs $31,944 at Carnegie Mellon University. The annual difference of $15,869 adds up to about $63,476 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
California Institute of Technology reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $128,566 vs $114,862 at Carnegie Mellon University. The annual gap in the federal data is $13,704.
Which school is harder to get into?
California Institute of Technology is more selective at 2.6% acceptance vs 11.7% at Carnegie Mellon University.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. California Institute of Technology reports a A+ value grade; Carnegie Mellon University reports B.