C
#5 Best Colleges in America

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, California

 1 Reviews

Overview

Enrollment

2,401
California Institute of Technology overview
Location Pasadena, California
Online caltech.edu
School Type Private 4 Year
Setting Midsize City
California Institute of Technology overview
Size Small
Status Non-profit
On Campus Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate
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Located in Pasadena, California, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a prominent private research university known for its strong emphasis on science and engineering. Founded in 1891, Caltech maintains a compact urban campus distinguished by its Mediterranean-style architecture. The institute boasts a high faculty-to-student ratio, facilitating a personalized and rigorous academic experience, often leading to significant contributions in fields like physics, biology, and chemistry. With a campus located approximately 11 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, Caltech provides students access to a vibrant urban center while maintaining a focus on the intellectual atmosphere of its campus environment. The undergraduate admissions process at Caltech is highly selective, seeking out students with exemplary academic records and a demonstrated passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Student housing is provided, with the majority of undergraduates living on campus. While Caltech is not typically highlighted for its athletic programs, it competes in Division III as the Beavers. Caltech?s reputation is primarily anchored in its academic and research initiatives rather than its athletic endeavors.

In the most recent statistical year 16,626 prospective students applied, and 448 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 224 enrolled in the school.  2,401 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 0 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $58,479 plus fees of $2,385. Caltech is ranked 5 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.

Ratings

10/10

Overall

10/10

Academics

10/10

Resources

10/10

Outcomes

10/10

Value

Caltech is rated within the top 2% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 10 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for California Institute of Technology within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.

Getting In

Admission Standards

Exceptional
California Institute of Technology overview
SAT 1530/1580
ACT 35/36
Estimated GPA 3.97

Applications Accepted

2.7% 
California Institute of Technology overview
Applications Due Jan 3, 2025
Applicant Competition Extreme
Application Fee $75

Explore admissions requirements

Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$58,479
Costs for California Institute of Technology
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,428
Other Fees$2,385
Room and Board $18,606
Budget for Other Expenses$2,700
Total One Year Cost$83,598

Tuition and financial aid details

Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$85,800 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

87% within 6 years

Explore Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular subjects studied by California Institute of Technology students
Subject Percent of Class
Engineering 41%
Physical Sciences 25%
Computer and Information Sciences 11%
Mathematics 11%
Biology 8%

View All 24 Majors

Other Colleges to Consider 

Students considering Caltech are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=110404 IPEDS survey data for California Institute of Technology.

Current students may use the California Institute of Technology GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.

Last updated February 24, 2024