About California Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a highly selective 4-year private school located in Pasadena, California. It was founded in 1891 and has a current undergraduate enrollment of 987 students. The admissions process is extremely rigorous, with an acceptance rate of only 4%. Tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 school year are $58,680, making it one of the most expensive schools in the country. However, the net price for full-time beginning students is only $30,162. Graduation rates are high at 93%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is an impressive 3 to 1.
At Caltech, students have the opportunity to work with world-renowned faculty in the fields of science and engineering. The school is consistently ranked as one of the top institutions in these disciplines, producing 29 Nobel Prize winners. Undergraduates have access to cutting-edge research facilities and a focus on hands-on learning. There are also numerous opportunities for internships and study abroad programs.
Prospective students should be prepared to thrive in a highly competitive and demanding academic environment at Caltech. The school values intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning above all else. If you are looking for an intimate, challenging, and prestigious education in science and engineering, California Institute of Technology may be the perfect fit for you.
Read More +Table of Contents
Acceptance Rate
Application Fee: $75
General Information
Address: 1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, California 91125
Phone: (626) 395-6811
Website: https://www.caltech.edu/
Student Population: 2,397 (987 undergraduate)
Student-To-Faculty Ratio: 3 to 1
Religious Affiliation: None
Degrees Offered
Special Learning Opportunities
Student Services
Admissions
Admissions requirements include the submission of an application form, transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. The application fee is $75. In 2021-2022, there were 13,026 applicants for the incoming class. Of those admitted, 53% chose to enroll at Caltech. The admissions process at California Institute of Technology is highly selective, but high-achieving students with a strong passion for their chosen field have a good chance of being accepted. Good luck!
Read More +Demographics
Enrollment (Fall 2021)
| Total Enrollment | 2,397 |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 987 |
| Undergraduate Transfer-in Enrollment | 4 |
| Graduate Enrollment | 1,410 |
Test Scores
| SAT 25th-75th Percentile | 1,530-1,560 |
| ACT 25th-75th Percentile | 35-36 |
Undergraduate Student Gender
Tuition & Costs
In addition to tuition and fees ($58,680), Caltech students can expect to pay for books and supplies ($1,428), on-campus room and board ($17,304), and other expenses ($2,926). The total cost of attendance for on-campus students is $83,298. This number is slightly lower for off-campus students, at $80,496. California Institute of Technology offers need-based financial aid and scholarships to assist students in meeting their costs of attendance. The school also offers a tuition payment plan for those who are unable to pay their tuition in full.
Overall, attending California Institute of Technology is an expensive endeavor, but the high graduation rates and opportunities for experiential learning make it a worthwhile investment for many students. Those who are able to attend Caltech can expect an elite education in science and engineering, with access to top-notch faculty and research facilities. California Institute of Technology may not be the right fit for everyone, but those who thrive in a competitive academic environment and have a passion for their subject will find it to be a truly exceptional place to pursue their education.
Read More +Estimated 2021-2022 Tuition & Costs
| Estimated Expenses | 2021-2022 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $58,680 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,428 |
| On-campus Room and Board | $17,748 |
| On-campus Other Expenses | $2,091 |
| Total Expenses | 2021-2022 |
|---|---|
| On-campus | $79,947 |
| Off-campus | $82,122 |
Financial Aid & Net Price
In the 2020-2021 school year, 545 Caltech students received grant or scholarship aid totaling $23,469,715. The average amount received was $43,064. 104 students received Pell Grants, with an average amount of $4,557. 35 students took out federal student loans, receiving an average amount of $6,476. As mentioned on the table below, the net price for full-time beginning students is $30,162.
Prospective students with demonstrated financial need should make sure to apply for aid and scholarships at Caltech. While attending Caltech may be expensive, the school offers resources to assist in meeting the cost of attendance. Don’t let the cost discourage you from applying – California Institute of Technology may be the perfect fit for you.
Read More +Undergraduate Student Financial Aid (2020-2021)
| Type of Aid | Students | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Grant or Scholarship | 545 | $43,064 |
| Pell Grants | 104 | $4,557 |
| Federal Student Loans | 35 | $6,476 |
| Full-Time Beginning Students | |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price | $30,162 |
Programs & Majors
California Institute of Technology offers undergraduate degrees, all within the fields of science and engineering. These include Aeronautics, Applied and Computational Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science & Engineering, Geological & Planetary Sciences, Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics.
The highly specialized nature of California Institute of Technology’s majors means that students can expect a rigorous education in their chosen field. The school values innovation and encourages students to engage in experiential learning through research opportunities. California Institute of Technology may be a good fit for those who have a clear passion and focus in their academic pursuits.
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