HEAD-TO-HEAD INSTITUTIONAL DOSSIER · 2026/2027 INDEX

California Institute of Technology vs Fudan University

California Institute of Technology Logo
California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, United States

QS World: #73% Admit
Fudan University Logo
Fudan University

Shanghai, China

QS World: #267% Admit
EXECUTIVE DECISION BRIEFINGCross-System Synthesis

01 · Global Academic Standing

Caltech is an elite, hyper-focused U.S. institution renowned globally for intense STEM research. Fudan University, a top-tier Chinese comprehensive university, offers broader academics, strong humanities, and deep cultural immersion. Caltech signifies specialized global STEM prestige; Fudan, a comprehensive, globally-minded Chinese education providing a unique gateway to East Asia and its growing influence.

02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths

For unparalleled specialization and pioneering research in Astrophysics, Caltech is clearly superior. Conversely, Fudan University significantly dominates in Chinese Language and Literature, offering an authentic environment for mastering Mandarin and understanding Chinese culture and history through an Eastern lens.

03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture

Choose Caltech if your ambition is a world-leading, specialized STEM research career within a rigorous Western academic environment. Opt for Fudan if you seek a comprehensive education with global perspective, aiming for careers integrated with China and the broader Asian landscape.

SECTION 01 · QUANTITATIVE BENCHMARK LEDGER

Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown

Indicator Tally6 — 1 Advantage
Comparative DimensionCalifornia Institute of TechnologyFudan University
QS World University Rank
Global employer & academic reputation index
#7 (2027)+19 places
#26 (2027)
THE World University Rank
Teaching, research environment & citations
#7 (2027)+31 places
#38 (2027)
ARWU Shanghai Rank
Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers
#10 (2026)+31 places
#41 (2026)
U.S. News Global Rank
Global research reputation & publications
#23 (2027)+26 places
#49 (2027)
Admissions Selectivity
Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective)
3%More selective
7%
Annual International Tuition
Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee
$62,388
$5,000Lower tuition
Founding Heritage
Year of institutional establishment
1891Lead
1905
Student Cohort Scale
Total enrolled degree-seeking students
2,430
36,447
Campus Safety Index
Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety
92 / 100
92 / 100
SECTION 02 · DECADE TRAJECTORY COMPARISON

10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory

Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).

SECTION 03 · DEPARTMENTAL BENCHMARKS

QS Subject Rankings Showdown

Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.

California Institute of: 3 leads·Fudan University: 0 leads
Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs)California Institute ofFudan University
Natural Sciences#6#36
Chemistry#12#30
Mathematics#15#32

California Institute of · Specialist Subject Standings

Geophysics#4
Earth and Marine Sciences#6
Geology#6

Fudan University · Specialist Subject Standings

Classics and Ancient History#2
Economics and Econometrics#34
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence#37
Discipline Focus: Chemistry
Clear Filter ×

California Institute of Programs

Refer to the official California Institute of course catalog for current intake fees.

Fudan University Programs

Refer to the official Fudan University course catalog for current intake fees.

SECTION 04 · FINANCIAL & LIVING BENCHMARK

Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off

Estimated monthly student expenditure in Pasadena vs Shanghai alongside annual international tuition.

High Cost Index

California Institute of (Pasadena)

$2,420/mo
Housing & Utilities$1,800/mo
Food & Groceries$500/mo
Local Transit & Personal$120/mo
Est. International Tuition$62,388/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$91,428/yr
Accessible Student City

Fudan University (Shanghai)

$795/mo
Housing & Utilities$500/mo
Food & Groceries$250/mo
Local Transit & Personal$45/mo
Est. International Tuition$5,000/yr
Est. 1-Year Total Budget~$14,540/yr
APPLICANT DECISION SUITE · FREE & PRO TOOLS

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