Caltech : Rankings, Courses, Admission, Acceptance Rate, Tuition Fee and Scholarship

California Institute of Technology [CalTech] Rankings, Campus, Courses, Admissions 2024, Cost, Scholarships, Placements & Alumni

Pasadena, CaliforniaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1920established year
2238enrollment
ACS WASC
Private (Not for Profit)
7.9/10

Important Alerts

EventsDates
Computer Science Application Deadline For 2025 Intake
Closing in 24 days
15th Dec 2024
Mechanical Engineering Application Deadline For 2025 Intake
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15th Dec 2024
Electrical Engineering Application Deadline For 2025 Intake
Closing in 24 days
15th Dec 2024
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California Institute of Technology popularly known as CalTech is a well-renowned research institute for Science and Engineering. Caltech campus is home to 982 undergraduate students and 1,410 graduate students. The university houses 18% international students. It is one of the hardest universities in USA to gain admission, with an acceptance rate of only 3%.

For admission to Caltech, applicants do not need require any minimum GPA. The majority of accepted applicants displayed a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (90%) and are among the top 10% of their class. The estimated tuition in California Institute of Technology for an international student is 60,816 USD (50.64 lakhs INR). According to the university, 46% graduates went to attend graduate or professional schools, and 43% students secured full-time employment. 

Check Out: CalTech (Spanish)

Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to study in USA? Check out the top 100% scholarships for international students, here:

Caltech Acceptance Rate

California Institute of Technology is one of the hardest universities in the world to get into. The university has an overall acceptance rate of only 3%. Caltech has observed an enrollment of 1023 undergraduate students, and, 1440 graduate students in Fall 2023-24. Around 126 international students constitute 12% of the undergraduate student body of the university. The university encourages students to have confidence in themselves to cope up in a university with an undergraduate population of less than 1000.

Recent News:

US could hit the edge of the enrolment cliff as early as 2025, which could result in a 15-20% increase in the number of Indian students enrolling in American universities by 2026, according to study abroad experts.

Caltech Rankings

California Institute of Technology is ranked at #15 in QS World University rankings 2024. It is not an Ivy League school, but enjoys a similar status due to its high research reputation. Some trends of California Institute of Technology rankings by reputed agencies are as follows:

Ranking Type 2024 Rank 2023 Rank 2022 Rank 2021 Rank
QS World University Rankings #15 #=6 #6 #4
THE World University Rankings #7 #6 #2 #4
U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities - #9 #9 #7
ARWU (Shanghai Rankings) - - #9 #9

Check the comparisons between California Institute of Technology and some top ranked universities in the world:

Tour

California Institute of Technology Campus

The California Institute of Technology campus is situated in the heart of Pasadena at the foot of the prestigious San Gabriel Mountains. The university owns the Kavli Nanoscience Institute for research purpose. Its Seismological Laboratory located on the school campus is the global preeminent source for earthquake information.

The university has its own Center for Autonomous Systems and Technology, Bioengineering center, Observatory and many other on-campus research facilities. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is the leading research center for robotic exploration of the solar system in the United States.

California Institute of Technology Student Life

  • There are more than 50 student clubs and sports organizations and 16 Division III varsity teams.
  • The university guarantees housing for all first-year graduate students looking to study in USA. All freshmen and second-year undergraduate students are also offered with campus residence.
Campus

Caltech Courses

California Institute of Technology offers 28 undergraduate majors to its students across 6 academic divisions. International students can select from 30 graduate programs in California Institute of Technology.

Research is an integral part of Caltech, with over 50 research centres and institutes. This includes 5 NASA facilities on campus. Caltech students conduct research along with Nobel laureates.

Some top Caltech courses and their respective tuition fees are as follows:

California Institute of Technology Top Programs and Fees

Programs Total Annual Fees Total Annual Fees (INR)
Master of Science [M.S], Civil Engineering USD 65,706 ₹ 5546243
Master of Science [M.S], Mechanical Engineering USD 65,706 ₹ 5546243
Master of Science [M.S], Medical Engineering USD 65,706 ₹ 5546243
Master of Science [M.S], Bioengineering USD 65,706 ₹ 5546243
Master of Science [M.S], Computer Science USD 65,706 ₹ 5546243
Master of Science [M.S], Biology USD 65,706 ₹ 5546243
Master of Science [M.S], Mathematics USD 65,706 ₹ 5546243
Master of Science [M.S], Physics USD 65,706 ₹ 5546243

California Institute of Technology Admissions

In an academic year, the university admits international applicants in three 10-week terms, plus an optional summer research term. The step-by-step application process is provided below:

Details of admission to the undergraduate and graduate programs in California Institute of Technology are as follows:

Caltech Admissions: PG

Category PG Admission Requirements
Application Portal Graduate Portal
Application Fee 100 USD (8,320 INR)
Academic Requirements Undergraduate degree from a registered institute | Top 5 to 10% students of their class
GPA No bar | Minimum scores of accepted candiates: 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (90%)
English Proficiency Requirements IELTS: 7 | TOEFL iBT: 100 | Duolingo: 130
Standardized Test Scores GRE/GMAT score (Avg. GRE: 330 | GMAT: 500)
SOP/LOR 3 Letters of recommendation | Statement of purpose
Additional Requirements CV | Work experience

Caltech Admissions: UG

Category UG Admission Requirements
Application Portal Common App | QuestBridge
Application Fee 75 USD (6,245 INR)
Academic Requirements Higher secondary certificate
GPA No minimum GPA (Minimum scores of accepted candiates: 3.5 out of 4.0 or 90%)
English Proficiency Requirements IELTS: 7 | TOEFL iBT: 100 | Duolingo: 130
Additional Requirements CV | Personal statement

California Institute of Technology Cost of Attendance

The annual tuition for both the undergraduate and graduate programs in Caltech is 60,816 USD (50.65 lakhs INR). The fees and other expenses vary across different academic levels. The following table provides the approximate costs of studying in Caltech:

Type of Expense Annual Cost for Undergraduate (USD) Annual Cost for Graduate (USD)
Tuition Fees 60,816 60,816
Fees 2,439 2,247
Accommodation 11,247-12,960 9,180-20,268
Meal 6,471-8,256 8,395
Books and Supplies 1,428 1,400
Personal Expenses 2,700-4,428 9,000
Transportation 0-1,764 -
Health, Dental, & Vision - 880
Total 86,886-90,306 91,918-103,006

California Institute of Technology Cost Comparison

University Tuition Fee (USD) Equivalent Tuition Fee for Indians (INR)
California Institute of Technology 60,816 50.64 lakhs
New York University 16,148 to 109,050 13.44 to 90.82 lakhs
Stanford University 36,000 to 82,000 29.98 to 68.29 lakhs

Caltech Scholarships

Caltech does not offer any merit-based scholarships. The university meets 100% requirement of students with a demonstrated financial need. The institute provides scholarships, loans, awards, grants only on the basis of the needs of the students and even helps them to locate work while studying to support their finances. International applicants can apply to various external scholarships for international students in USA. Some popular scholarships for studying in USA are as follows:

Scholarships to Study in USA

Caltech Placements

The Career Development Center of California Institute of Technology provides dedicated career services to its graduates and alumni. The center provides counseling, resume writing workshops and tips, pre-health and pre-professional advising, Networking strategies, and higher study options to the students. Students even learn to compose interview thank you letters through the career centrer. Students are provided with LinkedIn labs to connect with employers.

The average starting salary of California Institute of Technology graduates is 116,000 USD (96 lakhs INR). Career fairs arranged twice a year by the university brings over 150 recruiters to employ Caltech graduates. The average salary for various jobs in USA after studying in Caltech is given below:

Caltech Placements

Caltech Alumni

California Institute of Technology alumni network has over 25,500 active living members. Caltech alumni include Nobel laureates, entrepreneurs, academic leaders, technological innovators, medical pioneers, etc. The alumni benefits include career assistance through Caltech Alumni Advisors Network and can seek or offer a job on Handshake.

California Institute of Technology Notable Alumni

Alumni Designation Achievements
Kip Thorne American theoretical physicist Known for his contributions in gravitational physics and astrophysics
Linus Pauling American chemist and biochemist Published more than 1,200 papers and books
Gordon Moore American businessman and engineer Proposed Moore's law
Benoit Mandelbrot American-French-Polish mathematician and polymath Wolf Prize for Physics in 1993, the Japan Prize in 2003, the Einstein Lectureship of the American Mathematical Society in 2006 among others.
Donald Knuth American computer scientist and mathematician 1974 recipient of the ACM Turing Award, informally considered the Nobel Prize of computer science

A world-renowned institute, Caltech addresses some fundamental scientific questions and presses for societal challenges through the brightest and most innovative minds in the world. Ranked among the best universities in USA, the institute ensures equal learning opportunities for all the students with on-campus housing for all candidates. Furthermore, Caltech fulfills entire costs and needs of the students through its need-based scholarship programs. The university brings international students to professional exposure through its career oriented programs and hence is a desired place for international students willing to study in the USA.

FAQs

Ques. Is Caltech an Ivy Leage institute?

Ans. No, the California Institute of Technology is not a Ivy League institute. However, the institute is one of the top universities in the USA and has an equivalent reputation like a Ivy League member.

Ques. What is the application fee of California Institute of Technology?

Ans. Caltech accepts an application fee of 70 USD (5,800 INR) from the international undergraduate students and 100 USD (8,300 INR) from the graduate applicants.

Ques. What is the average cost of studying in the California Institute of Technology?

Ans.International students can anticipate a tuition cost of 60,816 USD (50.64 lakhs INR) across both undergraduate and graduate levels in California Institute of Technology.

Ques. What is the minimum GPA required for Caltech admission?

Ans. The university has no bar on the minimum GPA requirement, however, as an applicant you should get a GPA of 3.5 on 4.0 (~89-90%) or above for Caltech admission. 

Ques. Is admission to Caltech tough? 

Ans. Yes, California Institute of Technology is one of the highly selective universities in USA with an acceptance rate of only 3%As a prospective student, you need excellent academic results, standardized test scores and multiple recommendations as the basic prerequisites for Caltech admission.

California Institute of Technology Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesExams Score
Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (15th Dec 2024)
USD 63,402 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 110
  • GRE: 296
  • IELTS: 7
Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (15th Dec 2024)
USD 63,402 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 110
  • GRE: 296
  • IELTS: 7
Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (15th Dec 2024)
USD 63,402 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 110
  • GRE: 296
  • IELTS: 7
Restrictive Early Action Deadline For 2025 Intake (1st Nov 2024)
Regular Decision Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (3rd Jan 2025)
USD 63,402 /Yr
  • IELTS: 7
Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (15th Dec 2024)
USD 63,402 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 110
  • GRE: 296
  • IELTS: 7
Restrictive Early Action Deadline For 2025 Intake (1st Nov 2024)
Regular Decision Application Deadline For 2025 Intake (3rd Jan 2025)
USD 63,402 /Yr
  • IELTS: 7

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Top Recommended Courses


Bachelor of Science [B.S] Electrical Engineering

4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS7
Important Date: 03 Jan, 2025
USD 63,402 /Yr
2 Students Applied

Bachelor of Science [B.S] Mechanical Engineering

4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS7
Important Date: 03 Jan, 2025
USD 63,402 /Yr

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M.S(2 years)
English
Full Time
USD 63,402 /Yr
Available Courses
Exams Score
TOEFL110|GRE296|IELTS7
Important Date
15 Dec, 2024
11 Students Applied
1 Student Admitted

B.C.S(4 years)
English
Full Time
USD 63,402 /Yr
Available Course
Exams Score
Important Date
03 Jan, 2025
Top specializations

Ph.D Biochemistry(4 years)
English
Full Time
USD 63,402 /Yr
Available Course
Exams Score
Important Date
01 Dec, 2024

Ph.D Chemistry(4 years)
English
Full Time
USD 63,402 /Yr
Available Course
Exams Score
Important Date
01 Dec, 2024
Top specializations

B.Eng(4 years)
English
Full Time
USD 63,402 /Yr
Available Courses
Exams Score
Important Date
03 Jan, 2025
2 Students Applied

Ph.D Computer Science(4 years)
English
Full Time
USD 63,402 /Yr
Available Course
Exams Score
Important Date
15 Dec, 2024
Top specializations

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California Institute of Technology comparison

University NameCalifornia Institute of TechnologyUniversity of CaliforniaStanford UniversityPrinceton UniversityHarvard UniversityMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyUniversity of CaliforniaGeorgia Institute of Technology
Collegedunia Score8.3 Out of 107.8 Out of 109.3 Out of 108.3 Out of 1010 Out of 109 Out of 108.4 Out of 106.1 Out of 10
Overall Ranking
  • #10 QS World University 2025
  • #7 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #7 US News 2024
  • #42 QS World University 2025
  • #15 US News 2024
  • #18 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #6 QS World University 2025
  • #2 QS World University 2024
  • #2 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #22 QS World University 2025
  • #1 US News 2024
  • #6 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #4 QS World University 2025
  • #3 US News 2024
  • #4 QS World University 2024
  • #1 QS World University 2025
  • #1 QS World University 2024
  • #1 QS World University 2024
  • #12 QS World University 2025
  • #3 QS World University 2024
  • #9 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #114 QS World University 2025
  • #18 QS World University 2024
  • #33 US News 2024
Subject Strength
  • #7 for Engineering by US News 2024
  • #21 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2024
  • #140 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
  • #16 for Engineering by US News 2024
  • #14 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
  • #14 for Law by US News 2024
  • #2 for Engineering by QS World University 2024
  • #4 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
  • #1 for Law by US News 2024
  • #8 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024
  • #15 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2024
  • #142 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
  • #1 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024
  • #5 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2024
  • #1 for Medicine by US News 2024
  • #1 for Engineering by QS World University 2024
  • #1 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2024
  • #5 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
  • #3 for Engineering by US News 2024
  • #3 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2024
  • #18 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
  • #5 for Engineering by US News 2024
  • #13 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2024
  • #287 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
Programs
  • UG Programs- 27
  • PG Programs - 13
  • Doctorate Programs -16
  • UG Programs- 24
  • PG Programs - 43
  • Doctorate Programs -7
  • UG Programs- 49
  • PG Programs - 38
  • Doctorate Programs -70
  • UG Programs- 18
  • PG Programs - 13
  • Doctorate Programs -6
  • UG Programs- 40
  • PG Programs - 56
  • Doctorate Programs -9
  • UG Programs- 47
  • PG Programs - 40
  • Doctorate Programs -30
  • UG Programs- 31
  • PG Programs - 46
  • Doctorate Programs -13
  • UG Programs- 42
  • PG Programs - 65
  • Doctorate Programs -8
Acceptance Rate3.0 %11.0 %3.9 %4.5 %7.0 %4.0 %16.4 %23.0 %
Exam Score
Cost to Study
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 56364 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 56364 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 27636 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 42993 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 26544 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 36045 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 65286 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 72420 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 33155 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 49450 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 54070 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 18630 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 56550 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 25464 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 32724 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 57590 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 57590 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 32280 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 41196 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 5721 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 56000 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 31370 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 29140 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 13608 Per Year
-Read Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full Comparison

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California Institute of Technology Ranking

202520242023202220212020201920182017

QS World University logo

Overall 10 out of 1503 in Global Ranking

#4 out of 192 in USA 2025

Nearest Ranked Colleges

Stanford University

Ranked 6
Score 96.1

Harvard University

Ranked 4
Score 96.8

University of Pennsylvania

Ranked 11
Score 90.3

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California Institute of Technology Student Profiles

Filter By: admitted

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California Institute of Technology Ratings

Based on 3 Students Rating

7.9 out of 10
10.0/10Academic
9.3/10Accommodation
9.7/10Faculty
9.3/10Infrastructure
9.3/10Placement

California Institute of Technology Reviews


StreamDegree TypeStudent StatusNationalityBatchCourse
Sort By :
Newest First

Engineering (1)
Mathematics (1)
Electrical and Electronics Engineering (1)

3 Reviews Found

Overview

Research focused, very well connected and nice weather throughout the year.

Fees

PhD programs have no tuition fees, they are waived off.

academic: 10/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 10/10
placement: 10/10

SS
8.3 /10

Overview

Caltech is very strong in what I do (electrical engineering) and other domains of science. It is a highly reputed institution and very selective.

Fees

Around $50k

academic: 10/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 10/10
placement: 10/10

Overview

My sister who lived in the USA had suggested me to take admission in this college. An online application form was submitted by me with an application fee $75 to get admission. They even asked me to show my undergraduate mark-sheet where I got 9.5 GPA.

Fees

The tuition cost I paid was $52,000 plus a fee of $2000 was also charged form me. Other than this my books supplied and miscellaneous expenses got close to $1200 and $1800. Thankfully I received the financial aid of $10,000 which I had applied during the process of admission.

academic: 10/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 8/10

California Institute of Technology Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Caltech ScholarshipsScholarship per student$120,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Innovation in Education Scholarship - La Tutors 123Scholarship per student$500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
(ISC)² Women’s Cybersecurity ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Bharat Petroleum ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
ASID Foundation Legacy ScholarshipsScholarship per student$4,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
QS Connect Master’s ScholarshipScholarship per student$5,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based

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California Institute of Technology Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)

California Institute of Technology Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Undergraduate
Duolingo145130160-
SAT15601530159065
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing770750790-
Mathematics790780800-
ACT35343556
Check Detailed Score
English353436-
Mathematics363536-
Language Proficiency
TOEFL110100120-
IELTS879-

Attendance Cost

$65,706

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$70,539 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$65,706 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
$1,428 / Year
Housing/Room
$11,697 / Year
Food/Meals
$8,586 / Year
Off Campus
Books & Supplies
$1,428 / Year
Housing/Room
$14,733 / Year
Food/Meals
$7,353 / Year

California Institute of Technology Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
323150--

California Institute of Technology Campus Location


+1-626-395-6811
Telephone
1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125
Address

Nearby This Campus

  • Bus Station
  • Book Store
  • Shopping Mall
  • Super Market
  • Airport

Bus Station

Wilson / San Pasqual0.09 km
Del Mar / Chester0.36 km
Del Mar Blvd & Chester Ave0.43 km
Del Mar Blvd & Wilson Ave0.49 km
Show More

Shopping Mall

John Moreno Estates0.63 km
The Shops On Lake Avenue0.82 km
Colorado & Mentor Retail Center1.00 km
The Paseo1.90 km
Show More

Airport

A2 Global Shipping1.80 km
California Title Building Heliport2.79 km
Pasadena Police Department - Benedict Heliport6.60 km
Santa Fe International Corp Heliport6.74 km

Book Store

Caltech Store0.15 km
Century Books0.85 km
Alexandria II0.85 km
Pasadena City College Bookstore0.88 km
Show More

Super Market

Tower Snack & Sundry1.05 km
99 Cents Only Stores1.28 km
Smart & Final2.88 km
Mitsuwa Marketplace - San Gabriel4.26 km
Show More

● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary

Comments


11 Comments
M
musana eddie
the year i intend to start is 2024 or 2025 but the system instead accepted 2026 i request the start input to be corrected from 2026 to be captured correctly and the completion year to be adjusted accordingly during signing up. Thank you
A
Arman Mulla

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will definitely work on it.

F
faiqa khan

Can I be eligible for MS with 6 bands?

L
Lagan Kapoor

Caltech has a minimum IELTS Academic test score requirement of 7.0 overall for admission to most graduate programs. However, you can explore the Caltech courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.

A
azjargal uchralt

I want to apply to MIT and California Institute of Technology but fear my IELTS score.

L
Lagan Kapoor

Caltech requires a minimum score of 7.0 on the IELTS Academic test. However, you can explore the Caltech courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.

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