Head-to-head · 2026
California Institute of Technology vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for California Institute of Technology, 2 for Massachusetts Institute of Technology — 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 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 19.99 ✓ | 17.82 |
| Avg net price | $16,075 ✓ | $20,111 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $128,566 | $143,372 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 2.6% ✓ | 4.6% |
| Graduation rate | 94.4% | 96.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | — | $14,768 |
| Enrollment | 987 | 4,535 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 1560 |
| Wins | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Massachusetts Institute of Technology costs $4,036 more per year than California Institute of Technology ($20,111 vs $16,075). Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates report $14,806 higher median earnings after ten years ($143,372 vs $128,566). On EduGradify's model that puts California Institute of Technology ahead on projected ROI (19.99 vs 17.82, 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 4.6% (highly competitive) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Frequently asked
California Institute of Technology vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is California Institute of Technology or Massachusetts Institute of Technology the better value?
California Institute of Technology has the higher EduGradify ROI score (19.99 vs 17.82), 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 $20,111 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The annual difference of $4,036 adds up to about $16,144 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $143,372 vs $128,566 at California Institute of Technology. The annual gap in the federal data is $14,806.
Which school is harder to get into?
California Institute of Technology is more selective at 2.6% acceptance vs 4.6% at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
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; Massachusetts Institute of Technology reports A+.