In the United States, there are almost 3,000 degree-granting, four-year universities. Though they vary in almost everything, from location to size to majors offered, for applicants, one number reigns supreme: the acceptance rate. Used as a way to narrow in on schools in terms of personal feasibility, the acceptance rate of a school is representative of its selectivity. But how much does a school’s acceptance rate actually affect the outcome of its students, or its amenities offered?
To gain insight, let’s take a look at the most extreme ends of the spectrum, comparing the U.S. California Institute of Technology (CalTech) and their 3% acceptance rate to Adams State University with a 100% acceptance rate. Both acceptance rates are from fall 2022, according to the U.S. News and World Report, and all other cited statistics are from the U.S. News and World Report, Niche or the institution’s individual websites. CalTech is located in Pasadena, Calif., and Adams State is located in Alamosa, Co.
First, let’s look at future predicted success from the two schools.The CalTech graduation rate is 94%, compared to a 38% graduation rate at Adams State. Undergraduate students from CalTech can expect a median starting salary of $86,037, compared to $35,574 at Adams State. In terms of debt, an undergraduate at CalTech can expect to graduate with $17,219 in federal loan debt, compared to a range of $10,844 to $12,500 at Adams State. Therefore, though students may be making more money out of college at CalTech on average, they also will also most likely find themselves in greater debt than students at Adams State. The verdict then becomes a personal decision about whether one prefers to finish school with more debt, but a larger chance of beginning with a higher salary, or to graduate with less debt and a possibly lower salary.
Referencing tuition, CalTech has a total tuition cost of $63,255 per year, with their average cost after aid resting at about $29,000. Adams State has an out-of-state tuition cost of $21,949 per year ($9,776 for in-state tuition), with their average cost after aid at about $14,305 out of state. At CalTech, housing begins at a minimum of $3,749, while at Adams State, housing begins at $1,910. Meal plans at CalTech range from $2,478 to $2,753 per term, while meal plans at Adams State range from $2510 to $2720.
Academically, CalTech and Adams State differ in areas of study. Out of their 982 undergraduate students, the top majors at CalTech are Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, and Physical Sciences. The top majors across Adams State’s 1,835 undergraduate students are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, and Kinesiology and Exercise Science. CalTech sports a 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio, while Adams State features an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. CalTech offers 29 majors and minors, and Adams State offers 30.
So, at the end of the day, are schools differing in acceptance rate by 97% actually that different? Maybe not. Depending on the student and their goals, an education from a university with a 100% acceptance rate can be just as valuable as one from a university accepting 3% of applicants.
