FTC vs FRC: Which Program Is Right for You?
Same FIRST ecosystem, different scale. FTC teams are small, budgets are manageable, and every member touches design, code, and build on an 18-inch robot; FRC is the flagship six-week sprint where big teams and mentors produce a competition machine with real machining. Choose FTC for per-student ownership, FRC for scale, spectacle, and the deepest mentor bench — many programs run FTC as the on-ramp to FRC.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FIRST Robotics Competition. A blank row is a fact we do not hold — not a zero, and not a no.
| FTC | FRC | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $1,800 | |
| Application deadline | ||
| Grade eligibility | Grades 7–12 | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | Hybrid | In person |
| Location | Manchester, NH, USA | USA |
| Program dates | ||
| Application destination | firstinspires.org | firstinspires.org |
| Organizer | FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) | FIRST |
FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)
FIRST Robotics Competition
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, FTC or FRC?
FTC: $1,800. Confirm each figure on the program's official page before budgeting.
Can I apply to both FTC and FRC?
The application destinations are evaluated independently. FTC: firstinspires.org. FRC: firstinspires.org. Review each provider's current instructions before assuming either application is open or compatible with the other.
Which is better for college applications, FTC or FRC?
We do not rank enrichment programs by admissions value. Use the comparison to assess whether each program's documented constraints fit your situation, and check the details that decide it for you on each program's official page.
What grades can apply to FTC and FRC?
FTC: Grades 7–12. FRC: Grades 9–12. Eligibility can change between cycles, so confirm it on each program's official page before applying.
