California Institute of Technology vs University of California, Los Angeles
01 · Global Academic Standing
Caltech excels in deep, specialized science and engineering within a small, intensely focused research environment, renowned globally for rigor. UCLA offers a world-class, comprehensive public university experience, blending strong academics across diverse disciplines with a vibrant campus culture and wider prestige.
02 · Departmental & Subject Strengths
For unparalleled theoretical and experimental research, Caltech's Aerospace Engineering program is superior. Conversely, the University of California, Los Angeles, with its renowned School of Theater, Film and Television, dominates for students pursuing cinematic arts and media.
03 · Campus Environment & Cohort Culture
Choose Caltech if you seek singular, deep scientific or engineering inquiry within a demanding, research-intensive niche. Opt for UCLA if you desire a top-tier, comprehensive education, robust social opportunities, and diverse academic exploration.
Head-to-Head Indicator Showdown
| Comparative Dimension | California Institute of Technology | University of California, Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
QS World University Rank Global employer & academic reputation index | #7 (2027)+42 places | #49 (2027) |
THE World University Rank Teaching, research environment & citations | #7 (2027)+13 places | #20 (2027) |
ARWU Shanghai Rank Nobel/Fields alumni & highly cited researchers | #10 (2026)+4 places | #14 (2026) |
U.S. News Global Rank Global research reputation & publications | #23 (2027) | #11 (2027)+12 places |
Admissions Selectivity Estimated acceptance rate (lower = more selective) | 3%More selective | 9% |
Annual International Tuition Estimated undergraduate/graduate base fee | $62,388 | $46,296Lower tuition |
Founding Heritage Year of institutional establishment | 1891Lead | 1919 |
Student Cohort Scale Total enrolled degree-seeking students | 2,430 | 46,430 |
Campus Safety Index Composite campus & surrounding municipal safety | 92 / 100Lead | 90 / 100 |
10-Year Historical Ranking Trajectory
Decade-long global standing curve across major league tables (higher curve position = stronger rank).
QS Subject Rankings Showdown
Click any discipline row to inspect side-by-side degree programs, tuition, and scholarships below.
| Academic Subject (Click to Inspect Programs) | California Institute of | California, Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | #15 | #12 |
California Institute of · Specialist Subject Standings
California, Los Angeles · Specialist Subject Standings
Cost of Living & Annual Budget Face-off
Estimated monthly student expenditure in Pasadena vs Los Angeles alongside annual international tuition.
California Institute of (Pasadena)
California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles)
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