Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Pasadena, California |
| Online | caltech.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Located in Pasadena, California, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a prominent private research university known for its strong emphasis on science and engineering. Founded in 1891, Caltech maintains a compact urban campus distinguished by its Mediterranean-style architecture. The institute boasts a high faculty-to-student ratio, facilitating a personalized and rigorous academic experience, often leading to significant contributions in fields like physics, biology, and chemistry. With a campus located approximately 11 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, Caltech provides students access to a vibrant urban center while maintaining a focus on the intellectual atmosphere of its campus environment. The undergraduate admissions process at Caltech is highly selective, seeking out students with exemplary academic records and a demonstrated passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Student housing is provided, with the majority of undergraduates living on campus. While Caltech is not typically highlighted for its athletic programs, it competes in Division III as the Beavers. Caltech?s reputation is primarily anchored in its academic and research initiatives rather than its athletic endeavors.
In the most recent statistical year 16,626 prospective students applied, and 448 were granted admission. Of those admitted 224 enrolled in the school. 2,401 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 0 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $58,479 plus fees of $2,385. Caltech is ranked 5 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Caltech is rated within the top 2% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 10 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for California Institute of Technology within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#5 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#5 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Colleges in California
#2 in Best Private Colleges in California
#6 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Value Colleges in California
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1530/1580 |
| ACT | 35/36 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.97 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 3, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Extreme |
| Application Fee | $75 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,428 |
| Other Fees | $2,385 |
| Room and Board | $18,606 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,700 |
| Total One Year Cost | $83,598 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 41% |
| Physical Sciences | 25% |
| Computer and Information Sciences | 11% |
| Mathematics | 11% |
| Biology | 8% |
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Students considering Caltech are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about California Institute of Technology.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=110404 IPEDS survey data for California Institute of Technology.
Current students may use the California Institute of Technology GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024