Caltech Ranks Among Hardest U.S. Colleges to Enter in 2024

California Institute of Technology — Caltech — has been named one of the hardest colleges to get into in America for 2024, according to rankings released by Niche.com. The institution, renowned for its science and engineering programs, continues to be highly selective in its admissions process.

Niche.com, a platform that connects students with educational institutions, included Caltech on its list of the “Hardest Colleges to Get Into in America.” The ranking is based on a comprehensive analysis of public data sets and millions of reviews from students, parents, and residents.

Caltech’s stringent admission standards reflect its status as a world-class research institution. The school manages the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for NASA and operates major research facilities, including the Seismological Laboratory and a network of astronomical observatories.

In addition to its overall difficulty ranking, Caltech secured high positions in several other categories. Niche.com ranked the institute second out of 968 in the “Best Small Colleges in America” category, highlighting its intimate learning environment.

The school also excelled in specific academic disciplines. Caltech placed second out of 646 in the “Best Colleges for Chemistry in America” ranking and second out of 447 in the “Best Colleges for Physics in America” category. Additionally, it ranked seventh in “Best Colleges for Engineering in America.”

Niche.com’s evaluation process involves rigorous analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Education and user reviews. The platform’s data scientists and researchers assess key aspects of colleges to provide comprehensive grades and rankings.

Caltech’s strong performance across multiple categories underscores its reputation as a leader in science and engineering education. The institute’s 124-acre campus in Pasadena serves as a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation.

The rankings reflect Caltech’s commitment to addressing fundamental scientific questions and societal challenges. Caltech’s inclusion among the hardest schools to enter also serves as a reminder of its selective nature. Prospective students face a challenging admissions process at this esteemed institution, which received an overall Niche grade of A+.

Niche.com’s rankings aim to provide valuable insights for students and families navigating the college selection process. The platform’s comprehensive approach combines data analysis with user feedback to offer a nuanced view of educational institutions.