Caltech"s 2.7% acceptance rate makes it the most competitive university

The California Institute of Technology, commonly known as Caltech, has been recognized as the most competitive university in the United States, with an acceptance rate of just 2.7%. This ranking was published in the latest edition of the Almanac of Higher Education, which analyzed various statistics from colleges nationwide. Caltech's acceptance rate is now lower than that of Harvard University, which has an acceptance rate of 3.2%. The trend of declining acceptance rates is not unique to Caltech; many elite institutions have seen a significant increase in applications, attributed to the accessibility of virtual resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes online campus tours and information sessions, which have encouraged more students to apply. Additionally, some universities have adopted test-optional policies, further broadening the applicant pool. Despite maintaining a requirement for standardized testing, Caltech has experienced a remarkable 62% increase in applications from Fall 2020 to Fall 2024. This surge reflects a growing interest in the university, known for its strong emphasis on science and engineering. Caltech's annual tuition stands at $58,479, which is considered a worthwhile investment given the high earning potential of its graduates. The median starting salary for Caltech alumni ranges from $110,000 to $119,000, highlighting the university's value in terms of return on investment. According to Niche, Caltech ranks fourth in the nation for value for money, following Harvey Mudd College, Stanford University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.