California Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology has an acceptance rate of 2.6%, an average net price of $8,509, and an overall rank of #3 (Grade A+). About 89.8% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $131,965 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
California Institute of Technology is a private nonprofit university in Pasadena, CA. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Computer Science.
Day to day, students benefit from a 3:1 student-faculty ratio, and 97.4% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 362.8%, roughly 312.9 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to ambitious students who thrive in an elite, research-powered setting and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
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 89.8% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 94.8% and keeps 97.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ 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
Est. annual aid gap: $82,313 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $68,208 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,428 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $20,991 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,285 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $90,822 |
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 22.8% 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. Net prices range from $7,553 to $29,762 depending on family income. Use California Institute of Technology's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $131,965
- 10-Year Median Earnings $166,642
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $7,500
- Debt-to-Earnings ~5.7%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) Not reported
- Employment Rate 92.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for California Institute of Technology graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
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.
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 987
- Full-Time Students 100.0%
- Part-Time Students 0.0%
- Retention Rate 97.4%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 89.8%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 94.8%
- 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 2.6%, 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 2.6% 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 Engine draw the most students.
- Computer Science 34.8%
- Physics 16.4%
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engine 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
U.S. Department of Education data 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 67 graduates)
- Chemistry (Doctoral Degree, 39 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 36 graduates)
- Physics (Bachelor's Degree, 26 graduates)
- Physics (Doctoral Degree, 24 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Biology, General
- Information Science/Studies
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- History
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Engineering, General
- Political Science and Government
- Philosophy
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Engineering Physics
- Economics
- Business/Managerial Economics
Online Master's Degrees (23 programs)▼
- Physics
- Engineering Physics
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Systems Engineering
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Engineering Mechanics
- Civil Engineering
- Biology, General
- Applied Mathematics
Online Doctoral Degrees (26 programs)▼
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Engineering Physics
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Systems Engineering
- Economics
- Applied Mathematics
- Mathematics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Genetics
- Computer Science
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Engineering Mechanics
- Civil Engineering
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (5 programs)▼
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 987
- Full-Time Students 100.0%
- Part-Time Students 0.0%
- Male Students 54.8%
- Female Students 45.2%
- Caucasian 18.7%
- Asian 35.9%
- Hispanic 17.4%
- Black 4.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 22.8%
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 18.7% identifying as White. About 22.8% 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 0.0% ROI outperforming 1934 of 1934 institutions in our analysis.
The institution achieves 77.5% four-year completion and a 89.8% graduation rate within 150% of normal time and maintains 97.4% first-year retention. However, the competitive $8,509 annual net price enhances accessibility. Post-graduation median earnings of $131,965 reflect strong career outcomes typical of selective institutions.
Value Analysis: Is California Institute of Technology Worth It?
Ranking #3 of 1934, 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 $4,254 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 0 institutions deliver superior ROI metrics.
Bottom Line: California Institute of Technology excels in reputation and student experience, reflected in its 97.4% retention rate. However, value-conscious students should weigh the $8,509 annual investment against 0 alternatives offering stronger financial returns. The "best" choice depends on your field, financial situation, and career goals—not rankings alone.
Key Takeaways
- 89.8% graduation rate sits 27.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 97.4% first-year retention is 20.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $131,965 run about 114% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $8,509 is roughly $11,398 lower than the national median of $19,908.
- 92.2% employment rate within three years is 24.0 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 3:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 97.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.2% employment rate within three years sits 24.0 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 22.8% trails the national share by 15.8 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 #3 overall ranking Completion earns A+, Support A+, Career Outcomes A+, and Affordability B+.
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: 97.4% retention, 89.8% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 94.8% earning an award within eight years. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
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 $8,509 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $90,822.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $82,313 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $7,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 22.8% 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 $131,965 five years after graduation. This is roughly 114% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 92.2% of alumni working within three years.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
2.6% 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). California Institute of Technology: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/california-institute-of-technology/
MLA (9th): “California Institute of Technology: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/california-institute-of-technology/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “California Institute of Technology: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/california-institute-of-technology/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is California Institute of Technology's acceptance rate?
California Institute of Technology's acceptance rate is 2.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does California Institute of Technology cost?
At California Institute of Technology, listed tuition and fees are $68,208 per year, and the average net price after aid is $8,509. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is California Institute of Technology's ranking?
California Institute of Technology ranks #3 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is California Institute of Technology's graduation rate?
At California Institute of Technology, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 89.8% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 94.8%, and first-year retention is 97.4%.
What are California Institute of Technology's job outcomes?
Graduates of California Institute of Technology report median earnings of $131,965 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is California Institute of Technology's student population?
California Institute of Technology enrolls about 987 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 1200 E California Blvd, 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$3.60B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate3.0%