California Institute of Technology vs Pacific Oaks College
California Institute of Technology is extremely selective with a 3.1% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Pacific Oaks College (10.0%). Graduates of California Institute of Technology earn $76,081 more per year at the 10-year mark ($128,566 vs $52,485).
Admissions & Outcomes
Pacific Oaks College has a higher yield rate (66.7%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena, CA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Pacific Oaks College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (55%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
California Institute of Technology
- 1 Computer and Information Sciences, General$155,297
- 2 Mechanical Engineering$83,177
Pacific Oaks College
- 1 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$39,927
- 2 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services$37,883
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
California Institute of Technology
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Mechanical Engineering
- 3 Physics
- 4 Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- 5 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Pacific Oaks College
- 1 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- 2 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- 3 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- 4 Social Work
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
California Institute of Technology
- International students32%
- Tuition (international)$54,570
- Est. total cost/year$74,199
- School typePublic
Pacific Oaks College
- International studentsN/A
- Tuition (international)$11,482
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 32% international enrollment, California Institute of Technology likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into California Institute of Technology or Pacific Oaks College?
California Institute of Technology is more selective with a 3.1% acceptance rate, compared to 10.0%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: California Institute of Technology or Pacific Oaks College?
California Institute of Technology graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $128,566 compared to $52,485. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which school has more international students: California Institute of Technology or Pacific Oaks College?
California Institute of Technology has a larger international student population at 32% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at California Institute of Technology and Pacific Oaks College?
At California Institute of Technology, Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates earn a median of $155,297 within two years. At Pacific Oaks College, the top-earning major is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $39,927. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.