Caltech vs Harvey Mudd College: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for California Institute of Technology and Harvey Mudd College, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Caltech vs Harvey Mudd College at a glance
Caltech admits 2.6% of applicants and Harvey Mudd College 12.7% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $8,509 at Caltech and $39,347 at Harvey Mudd College. Six-year graduation rates are 89.8% and 93.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Caltech admits 2.6% of applicants and Harvey Mudd College 12.7%, so Caltech is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $8,509 a year at Caltech and $39,347 at Harvey Mudd College; Caltech costs $30,838 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $7,553 at Caltech and $41,333 at Harvey Mudd College.
- 89.8% of students graduate within six years at Caltech, against 93.3% at Harvey Mudd College.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $166,642 for Caltech and $164,248 for Harvey Mudd College; Caltech is $2,394 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $7,500 at Caltech and $25,000 at Harvey Mudd College.
- Caltech enrolls 987 students (midsize city) and Harvey Mudd College 921 (large suburb).
Side by side
Caltech and Harvey Mudd College in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Caltech | Harvey Mudd College |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 2.6% | 12.7% |
| Applicants | 13,026 | 4,737 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | Not reported | 1500–1570 |
| ACT middle 50% | Not reported | 34–36 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $8,509 | $39,347 |
| Tuition, in state | $68,208 | $73,100 |
| Tuition, out of state | $68,208 | $73,100 |
| Cost of attendance | $90,822 | $93,131 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $7,553 | $41,333 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $11,452 | $11,487 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $4,144 | $21,515 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $29,762 | $16,864 |
| Over $110,000 | Not reported | $58,366 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 89.8% | 93.3% |
| First-year retention | 97.4% | 96.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $166,642 | $164,248 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $7,500 | $25,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $85 | $284 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 987 | 921 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | Suburb: Large |
| Location | Pasadena, CA | Claremont, CA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Caltech reports 25 bachelor's programs and Harvey Mudd College 30; 12 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Caltech vs Harvey Mudd College
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Caltech or Harvey Mudd College?
Caltech is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Caltech admits 2.6% of applicants and Harvey Mudd College admits 12.7%.
Which is cheaper, Caltech or Harvey Mudd College?
Caltech has the lower average net price after grants: $8,509 a year at Caltech against $39,347 at Harvey Mudd College. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $7,553 and $41,333. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Caltech or Harvey Mudd College graduates earn more?
Caltech graduates earn more at the median: $166,642 ten years after entry for Caltech and $164,248 for Harvey Mudd College. Median federal debt at graduation is $7,500 and $25,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Caltech or Harvey Mudd College?
Harvey Mudd College does: 89.8% of Caltech students graduate within six years, against 93.3% at Harvey Mudd College.
How big are Caltech and Harvey Mudd College?
Caltech has 987 students in Pasadena, CA and Harvey Mudd College has 921 students in Claremont, CA.