California Institute of Technology [CalTech]

Pasadena, CaliforniaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1920established year
2238enrollment
Private (Not for Profit)
7.8/10

California Institute of Technology popularly known as CalTech is a well-renowned research institute for Science and Engineering. It is one of the hardest institutions to gain admission in USA. Caltech grants admission to less than 1000 students in an academic year for undergraduate education. The university exhibits an acceptance rate of 6.7%, demonstrating a highly selective admission policy. Explore: Caltech Rankings

The university has an international population of around 7.9% in its undergraduate programs and 44.53% in graduate programs. Caltech has no minimum GPA requirement. The majority of accepted applicants, however, have a GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (~89-90%) and are in the top 10% of their class.The estimated cost of attendance at Caltech is 65.41 lakhs for UG programs and 69.41 lakhs for PG programs. This cost includes a tuition fee of 45.49 lakhs and 44.84 lakhs respectively. Check: Caltech Student Profiles

California Institute of Technology has achieved the #1 position in education subcategory of America’s best employers according to Forbes, 2022. The university provides extensive career support to its students through the Career Development Center. After graduation, Caltech students earn an average starting salary of 105,500 USD per annum.

Likes:

  • Program Availability: International students are offered with 28 UG majors 12 UG minors available 31 graduate degree programs in California Institute of Technology. The university has more students in graduate courses than undergraduate programs.
  • Strong Alumni Network: The university is home to some 7 Nobel laureates and 58 National Medal of Science winners.
  • Weather: California is known for its gorgeous year-round Southern California weather. The highest temperature reaches upto 45°C and lowest is -8.3°C.
  • Transportation: Caltech offers free metro pass to its students which helps in cost of living for international students.

Dislikes:

  • Expensive Cost of Living: Pasadena, California is an expensive city. Which makes cost of attendance at Caltech quite expensive. Especially housing costs.
  • Safety Issue: California has a higher than average crime rates, which makes safety a major issue for international students.

California Institute of Technology Acceptance Rate

California Institute of Technology exhibits an undergraduate acceptance rate of 2.07%. The university has an overall acceptance rate of only 6.7%. For the class of 2025, Caltech received 13,026 freshmen applications. Only 270 students were enrolled from among them indicating a highly selective admission policy. The university encourages students to have confidence in themselves to cope up in a university with an undergraduate population of less than 1000. 

California Institute of Technology Rankings

The California Institute of Technology is ranked 6th in the QS World University Rankings 2023 and #21 in US Universities by QS Global World Rankings, 2022. Some of the other rankings achieved by Caltech are:

  • #74 in Graduate Employability Ranking, by QS Global World Rankings, 2022
  • #2 in World University rankings, 2022 by Times Higher Education
  • #7 in US College Rankings, 2022 by Times Higher Education
  • #9 in National Universities by US News and World Report, 2022
  • #15 in Best Value Schools by US News and World Report, 2022

According to QS Ranking 2022, California Institute of Technology has scored 96.7 in academic reputation. Mentioned below is the comparison of the top ranked programs at Caltech and Georgia Institute of Technology:

Program California Institute of Technology Georgia Institute of Technology
Geology 3 51
Engineering - Chemical 9 18
Chemistry 10 34
Engineering - Electrical and Electronic 12 14
Engineering - Mechanical 15 14
Engineering and Technology 15 16
Computer Science and Information Systems 39 33
Economics and Econometrics 44 201
Engineering - Civil and Structural 51 20

Also Check:

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.

  • Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is the leading research center for robotic exploration of the solar system in the United States.
  • Its Seismological Laboratory located on the school campus is the global preeminent source for earthquake information.
  • The university owns the Kavli Nanoscience Institute for research purpose.
  • The university has its own Center for Autonomous Systems and Technology, Bioengineering center, Observatory and many other on-campus research facilities.
  • There are more than 50 student clubs and sports organizations and 16 Division III varsity teams.

California Institute of Technology Accommodation

The institute guarantees housing for all first-year graduate students looking to study in the USA and all freshmen and second-year undergraduate students. It offers a full range of on-campus housing options to Undergraduate and graduate students.

Cost of the housing for undergraduate students is USD 3605 (~2.79 lakhs) per person per term for the 2022-23 academic year. However the cost of accommodation for Graduate students varies depending upon the room type. Mentioned below are the cost for the same:

Type Cost/Month (in INR)
Four bed quad furnished 0.52 lakhs
two bedroom double furnished 0.62 lakhs
One single bedroom 1.06 lakhs

California Institute of Technology Programs

The programs offered by the institute include 28 undergraduate and 30 graduate degree programs. The institute has six academic divisions namely-

  • Biology & Biological Engineering
  • Chemistry & Chemical Engineering
  • Engineering & Applied Science
  • Geological & Planetary Sciences
  • Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Physics, Mathematics & Astronomy.

It also offers joint degree programs in association with UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, the USC Keck School of Medicine, and the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. Some of the popular programs of the school as tabulated below:

California Institute of Technology Application Process

In an academic year, the university admits international undergraduate applicants in a couple of intakes. However, the graduate students can take admission for the fall session only.

Application Portal: Common Application, Coalition Application or University’s Graduate portal.
Application Fee: Uundergraduate programs: 75 USD | Graduate programs: 100 USD.

Admission Requirements for graduate programs:

  • Academic transcripts of an undergraduate degree and secondary education records
  • Average GPA: 3.5/4.0 (~89-90%)
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume
  • 3 LOR
  • Documentation of Financial Support in form of bank statements or sponsor documents showcasing the availability of required funds.
  • Copy of ID pages of passport
  • English language proficiency tests (no bar on score) (only TOEFL iBT or Duolingo)

Admission Requirements for undergraduate programs:

  • Official transcripts
  • Documentation of Financial Support in form of bank statements or sponsor documents showcasing the availability of required funds.
  • SOP
  • 2 LOR
  • Copy of ID pages of Passport
  • English proficiency test scores (no bar on score) (only TOEFL iBT or Duolingo)

California Institute of Technology Cost of Attendance

Caltech accepts a number of direct charges from the students taking admission. Students are advised to make an estimated budget to study in the institution before applying. The following table provides the approximate costs of studying in the institute:

Type of Expense Annual Cost for Undergraduate (in INR) Annual Cost for Graduate ( in INR)
Tuition fees 45.49 lakhs 44.84 lakhs
Mandatory fee 0.38 lakhs 1.63 lakhs
Accommodation 8.41 lakhs 9.28 lakhs
Meal 6.06 lakhs 7.09 lakhs
Books and supplies 1.11 lakhs 1.08 lakhs
Pesronal expenses 2.1 lakhs 3.63 lakhs
Transportation 1.86 lakhs 1.86 lakhs
Total 65.41 lakhs 69.41 lakhs

California Institute of Technology Scholarships

Caltech does not offer any merit-based scholarships but meets the 100% requirement of the students with a demonstrated need for financial aid. The institute gives 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.

Also Check:

California Institute of Technology Alumni Network

The university alumni network has over 24,000 active living members which include entrepreneurs, academic leaders, technological innovators, medical pioneers, etc . The alumni enjoy benefits like opportunities and tools to connect professionally, career assistance through Caltech Alumni Advisors Network and can seek or offer a job on Handshake. A few notable alumni of the university are:

  • Charles T. Munger - Vice Chairman, Berkshire Hathaway Inc
  • Daniel D. O'Dowd - Founder and CEO, Green Hills Software Inc
  • Fei-Fei Li - Sequoia Professor of Computer Science, Stanford University

California Institute of Technology 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 105,500 USD. Career fairs arranged twice a year by the university brings over 150 recruiters to employ Caltech graduates. Caltech is also recognized as the 7th best employer in America in the midsize employer category according to Forbes, 2022.

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 a 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 from the international undergraduate students and 100 USD from the graduate applicants.

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

Ans.International undergraduate students can estimate a total cost of 79,947 USD to study in Caltech. For Indian students, this amount is equivalent to 60 Lakh INR.

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, the institute is one of the highly selective universities in USA with an acceptance rate of ony 6%. As a prospective student, you need excellent academic results, standardized test scores and multiple recommendations as the basic prerequisites for Caltech admission.

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California Institute of Technology comparison

California Institute of TechnologyPrinceton UniversityHarvard UniversityUniversity of CaliforniaGeorgia Institute of TechnologyStanford UniversityMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyUniversity of California
Collegedunia Score8.3 Out of 108.3 Out of 1010 Out of 108.4 Out of 106.1 Out of 109.3 Out of 109 Out of 107.8 Out of 10
Overall Ranking
  • 7 Times Higher Education 2024
  • 7 US News 2024
  • 15 QS World University 2024
  • 1 US News 2024
  • 6 Times Higher Education 2024
  • 17 QS World University 2024
  • 3 US News 2024
  • 4 QS World University 2024
  • 4 Times Higher Education 2024
  • 9 Times Higher Education 2024
  • 10 QS World University 2024
  • 15 US News 2024
  • 33 US News 2024
  • 36 Times Higher Education 2024
  • 97 QS World University 2024
  • 2 Times Higher Education 2024
  • 3 US News 2024
  • 5 QS World University 2024
  • 1 QS World University 2024
  • 2 US News 2024
  • 3 Times Higher Education 2024
  • 15 US News 2024
  • 18 Times Higher Education 2024
  • 29 QS World University 2024
Subject Strength
  • 7 for Engineering by US News 2024
  • 185 for Medicine by QS World University 2023
  • 8 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024
  • 154 for Medicine by QS World University 2023
  • 51 for Law by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021
  • 1 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024
  • 1 for Medicine by US News 2024
  • 1 for Law by Times Higher Education 2024
  • 3 for Engineering by US News 2024
  • 24 for Medicine by QS World University 2023
  • 6 for Law by Times Higher Education 2024
  • 5 for Engineering by US News 2024
  • 346 for Medicine by QS World University 2023
  • 251 for Law by QS World University 2020
  • 2 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024
  • 5 for Medicine by US News 2024
  • 1 for Law by US News 2024
  • 1 for Engineering by US News 2024
  • 4 for Medicine by QS World University 2023
  • 16 for Engineering by US News 2024
  • 18 for Medicine by US News 2024
  • 14 for Law by US News 2024
Programs
  • UG Programs- 27
  • PG Programs - 13
  • Doctorate Programs -16
  • UG Programs- 18
  • PG Programs - 13
  • Doctorate Programs -6
  • UG Programs- 40
  • PG Programs - 58
  • Doctorate Programs -8
  • UG Programs- 19
  • PG Programs - 39
  • Doctorate Programs -13
  • UG Programs- 42
  • PG Programs - 65
  • Doctorate Programs -8
  • UG Programs- 53
  • PG Programs - 41
  • Doctorate Programs -70
  • UG Programs- 48
  • PG Programs - 41
  • Doctorate Programs -30
  • UG Programs- 23
  • PG Programs - 42
  • Doctorate Programs -7
Acceptance Rate8.8 %6.5 %5.6 %16.8 %23.0 %4.8 %8.5 %10.8 %
Exam Score
Cost to Study
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 4672011.96 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 4672011.96 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 2683397.97 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 4098910.5 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 4481862.3 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 1544240.7 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 4364904.51 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 1541754 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 2626701.21 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 3414736.44 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 2200232.16 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 4772640.42 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 2600259.3 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 2415414.6 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 665772.48 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 6130875.96 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 6002893.8 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 2537262.9 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 4773635.1 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 4773635.1 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 2021687.1 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 3563689.77 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 2200232.16 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 2866667.76 Per Year
-Read Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full Comparison

California Institute of Technology Student Profiles

Filter By: admitted

California Institute of Technology Ratings

Based on 2 Students Rating

7.8 out of 10
10.0/10Academic
9.0/10Accommodation
9.5/10Faculty
9.0/10Infrastructure
9.0/10Placement

California Institute of Technology Reviews


StreamDegree TypeStudent StatusNationalityBatchCourse
Sort By :
Newest First

Engineering (1)
Electrical and Electronics Engineering (1)
Sciences (1)

2 Reviews Found

SS
8.3 /10

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

HM
7.2 /10

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
Young Women in Public Affairs AwardScholarship per student₹ 3.3 L/Yr$4,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
BeArt Presets-Academic ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 1.7 L/Yr$2,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Young Professionals ProgramScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
Prodigy Finance-GyanDhan ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 2.1 L/Yr$2,500Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
VueVille Future Technology ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 82,890/Yr$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Josephine de Karman FellowshipScholarship per student₹ 20.7 L/Yr$25,000Level Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based

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
SAT15601530159065
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing770750790-
Mathematics790780800-
ACT35343556
Check Detailed Score
English353436-
Mathematics363536-

Attendance Cost

₹4,672,012

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
₹4,672,012 / Year
Post Graduate Program
₹4,672,012 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
₹109,663 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
₹1,226,440 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
₹238,226 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
₹1,101,857 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
₹352,117 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
₹355,101 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
₹363,307 / Year

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
61065428678980

California Institute of Technology Campus Location


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

Comments



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A
Anonymous
Hey, I am Kuldeep Singh I am from india. But still now I am in Singapore. I have only one question. Can I apply without ilets/PTE?
S
Sinbad Chongtham

It is important that international students seeking admission at California Institute of Technology must show proficiency in English Language by submitting a valid ELP test score. The university accepts TOEFL, ILETS and Duolingo as the ELP tests.

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