University of Oxford vs California Institute of Technology

University of Oxford
Oxford, United Kingdom

California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, United States
Head-to-Head Headliner Comparison
Scan the essential comparative metrics side-by-side to guide your final choice.
| Comparative Indicators | University of Oxford | California Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| QS World Rank (2025/2026) | #4 | #10 |
| THE World Rank (2025) | #1 | #7 |
| ARWU Shanghai Rank | #6 | #9 |
| US News Global Rank | #4 | #23 |
| Acceptance Rate | 17% | 3% |
| Annual Tuition (Intl) | £52,000 | $62,388 |
| Established Year | 1096 | 1891 |
| Total Students Count | 26,595 | 2,430 |
| Campus Safety Rating | 90 / 100 | 92 / 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
Oxford offers an ancient, collegiate intellectual tradition emphasizing broad academic depth and critical thinking across humanities and sciences. Caltech provides an intensely focused, modern STEM environment, renowned for unparalleled research and groundbreaking innovation in applied sciences.
Elite Academic Strengths & Major Comparison
For profound exploration in critical analysis and rigorous debate, Oxford's Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program stands unmatched. Conversely, students aspiring to push boundaries in space exploration and design will find Caltech's Aerospace Engineering program preeminent.
Campus Culture & Daily Student Vibe
Choose Oxford if you seek a deep, theoretically-driven academic journey fostering independent thought and broad intellectual mastery. Opt for Caltech if you thrive on cutting-edge, hands-on scientific research and aspire to lead in specific engineering or pure science fields.
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.
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Click any subject in the QS Rankings Showdown table below to instantly unlock side-by-side program profiles and specific global international scholarships!
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!
University of Oxford Exclusive Edge
California Institute of 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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