California Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology is a private nonprofit university in Pasadena, CA ranked #2 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A+, enrolling about 1,023 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 3.1%. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Computer Science.
Day to day, students benefit from a 3:1 student-faculty ratio, 97.8% first-year retention, and 93.2% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $18,902, about $1,904 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 74.8%, roughly 10.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $132,140. That's about $88,452 higher than national results. It's well-suited to ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is California Institute of Technology Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
California Institute of Technology graduates 93.2% of students within six years and keeps 97.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use California Institute of Technology's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $63,255 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,428 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $19,503 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,700 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $83,598 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 14.9% of California Institute of Technology students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $1,667 annually, while high-income families pay $56,275. Use California Institute of Technology's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,073/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $56,275/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $132,140
- 10-Year Median Earnings $132,140
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) Not reported
- Employment Rate 81.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for California Institute of Technology graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
California Institute of Technology vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how California Institute of Technology's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes California Institute of Technology's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: California Institute of Technology graduates earn $132,140 median six years after enrollment, +202% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,023
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 97.8%
- Graduation Rate 93.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 3:1
How to Get Into California Institute of Technology
1. Meet Academic Requirements: California Institute of Technology requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 3.1%, California Institute of Technology is extremely selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 3.1% acceptance rate, California Institute of Technology is extremely selective. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their class. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among California Institute of Technology undergraduates. Computer Science, Physics, and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Enginee draw the most students.
- Computer Science 34.8%
- Physics 16.4%
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Enginee 7.2%
- Mechanical Engineering 7.2%
- Biology, General 5.8%
- Chemical Engineering 4.3%
See more majors
- Mathematics 4.3%
- Astronomy and Astrophysics 3.9%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $232,903
- 2. Computer Science $173,344
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Chemistry (Doctoral Degree) $133,219
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $232,903—34% more than Computer Science ($173,344). Graduate: Chemistry programs lead with $133,219 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for California Institute of Technology. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 72 graduates)
- Physics (Bachelor's Degree, 34 graduates)
- Chemistry (Doctoral Degree, 21 graduates)
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree, 20 graduates)
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degree, 17 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (25 programs)▼
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Biology, General
- Mathematics
- Chemical Engineering
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Applied Mathematics
- Materials Engineering
- Chemistry
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Engineering Physics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Information Science/Studies
- Engineering, General
- Political Science and Government
- Philosophy
- History
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Economics
- Business/Managerial Economics
Online Master's Degrees (23 programs)▼
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Engineering Physics
- Physics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Materials Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics
- Economics
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Systems Engineering
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Computer Science
- Biology, General
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Applied Mathematics
Online Doctoral Degrees (26 programs)▼
- Chemistry
- Engineering Physics
- Physics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Materials Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Economics
- Applied Mathematics
- Biology, General
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Engineering Mechanics
- Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Genetics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (5 programs)▼
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,023
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 56.7%
- Female Students 43.3%
- Caucasian 19.9%
- Asian 35.4%
- Hispanic 19.0%
- Black 3.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 14.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects California Institute of Technology's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of California Institute of Technology's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does California Institute of Technology support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at California Institute of Technology, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: California Institute of Technology has a diverse student body, with 19.9% identifying as White. About 14.9% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does California Institute of Technology support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at California Institute of Technology, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
California Institute of Technology stands among the nation's most elite, delivering a 74.8% ROI outperforming 1924 of 1966 institutions in our analysis.
The institution achieves 78.6% four-year and 93.2% six-year completion ratesand maintains 97.8% first-year retention. However, the $18,902 annual net price positions this institution at the higher end of college costs. Post-graduation median earnings of $132,140 reflect strong career outcomes typical of selective institutions.
Value Analysis: Is California Institute of Technology Worth It?
Ranking #2 of 1966, California Institute of Technology delivers a A+ overall grade with 99.9/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total).
For High-Achieving Students: Applicants pursuing careers where institutional prestige and professional networks drive opportunities—such as finance, consulting, law, and academia—benefit most from California Institute of Technology's brand value and alumni connections. The school's reputation provides career acceleration that may justify the premium cost for specific fields.
Financial Aid Recipients: Students receiving substantial need-based aid (bringing actual costs below $9,451 annually) access elite education at a competitive price point. Pell-eligible students often pay less here than at many public universities.
Alternative Considerations: Students in fields where skills and credentials matter more than brand name—particularly STEM, healthcare, and technical fields—should compare outcomes against public research universities offering similar education at 40-60% lower cost. Our data shows 42 institutions deliver superior ROI metrics.
Bottom Line: California Institute of Technology excels in reputation and student experience, reflected in its 97.8% retention rate. However, value-conscious students should weigh the $18,902 annual investment against 42 alternatives offering stronger financial returns. The "best" choice depends on your field, financial situation, and career goals—not rankings alone.
Key Takeaways
- 93.2% six-year graduation rate sits 30.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 97.8% first-year retention is 21.0 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 74.8% return on investment is 10.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $132,140 run about 202% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,902 is roughly $1,008 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 3:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 97.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 81.7% employment rate within three years sits 13.5 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 14.9% trails the national share by 18.6 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates California Institute of Technology—a private nonprofit university in Pasadena, CA—at A+ overall. It holds a #2 national ranking Completion earns A+, Support A+, Career Outcomes A+, and Affordability C+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 97.8% retention and 93.2% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 74.8%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $18,902 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $83,598.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $64,696 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 14.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $132,140 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 202% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 81.7% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 74.8%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
3.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the California Institute of Technology admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Pasadena, CA 91125
- Website www.caltech.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$3.39B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate3.0%