California Institute of Technology vs University of California, Berkeley
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, United States
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, United States
Head-to-Head Headliner Comparison
Scan the essential comparative metrics side-by-side to guide your final choice.
| Comparative Indicators | California Institute of Technology | University of California, Berkeley |
|---|---|---|
| QS World Rank (2025/2026) | #10 | #17 |
| THE World Rank (2025) | #7 | #8 |
| ARWU Shanghai Rank | #9 | #5 |
| US News Global Rank | #23 | #5 |
| Acceptance Rate | 3% | 12% |
| Annual Tuition (Intl) | $62,388 | $47,000 |
| Established Year | 1891 | 1868 |
| Total Students Count | 2,430 | 45,399 |
| Campus Safety Rating | 92 / 100 | 72 / 100 |
5-Year Ranking Trajectory
Compare dynamic overall prestige ranking shifts over the past 5 years (lower value = higher rank).
Executive AI Admissions Counselor Verdict
Global Prestige & Reputation Vibe
Caltech offers an unparalleled, intense, small-scale environment for pure scientific and engineering research. Berkeley, a public Ivy, provides a broader, larger, academically diverse experience across STEM, humanities, and social sciences, with strong industry ties. Both are globally prestigious, but Caltech’s niche is deep theoretical advancement, while Berkeley offers comprehensive excellence.
Elite Academic Strengths & Major Comparison
For unparalleled depth in pure scientific inquiry, Caltech's Aerospace Engineering stands out. Conversely, UC Berkeley's Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) excels for its breadth, industry relevance, and entrepreneurial ecosystem in a larger university setting. Each institution provides distinct, world-leading strengths.
Campus Culture & Daily Student Vibe
Choose Caltech if your ambition is deep, fundamental scientific discovery in an intimate, research-heavy environment. Opt for Berkeley if you seek world-class STEM balanced with broader intellectual pursuits, robust industry pathways, and a comprehensive university experience.
Discipline Focus Showdown
Click on any subject in the QS Showdown table below to dynamically compare specific majors, annual tuition fees, and scholarship opportunities side-by-side.
California Institute of Programs
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University of California, Programs
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Exclusive Scholarships Face-off
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QS Subject Rankings Showdown
Head-to-head QS subject rankings. Click on any subject row to dynamically pull direct courses and scholarships in the Discipline Focus card above!
California Institute of Exclusive Edge
University of California, Exclusive Edge
Source: QS World University Rankings by Subject. Rankings reflect the best available year in our database.
Cost of Living Face-off
Detailed ballpark monthly student expenditure comparison based on city indices.
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