Academic Comparison between Caltech and California Northstate University

California Institute of Technology and California Northstate University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Caltech is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Pasadena, CA and California Northstate University is a four-year, private (for-profit) school located in Elk Grove, CA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Caltech is a private (not-for-profit) and California Northstate University is a private (for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Caltech has more expensive tuition & fees ($63,255) than California Northstate University ($59,254).
  • It is harder to admit to Caltech than California Northstate University.
  • Caltech has more students with 2,401 students while California Northstate University has 962 students.
  • Caltech has a lower number of students per faculty with 3 to 1 while California Northstate University's ratio is 7 to 1.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Institute of Technologyvs.California Northstate University
Pasadena, CaliforniaLocationElk Grove, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Private (for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie Classification
$63,2552024 Tuition & Fees$59,254
62%% Receiving Financial Aid48%
$47,135Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,671
3.00 %Acceptance Rates84.85 %
64.89 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)8.33 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
94 %Graduation Rate76 %
3 %Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate100 %
2,401Student Population962
357Number of Faculties-
3 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
ROTC, Study AbroadSpecial Learning OpportunitiesWeekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Placement services