56 Ivy League Rivals Offering Elite Education Without the Name Brand Price

12. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (Pasadena, CA)

Caltech is a small but mighty powerhouse renowned for its unparalleled strength in science and engineering. With an incredibly selective admissions process and a demanding curriculum, it fosters an intense, research-driven environment. Its intimate size ensures close faculty interaction and abundant research opportunities, even for undergraduates. Home to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and numerous Nobel laureates, Caltech offers a unique crucible for students aiming to push the frontiers of scientific discovery, rivaling MIT and any Ivy in pure STEM prowess.