California Institute of Technology Overview

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a prestigious private research university located in Pasadena, California. Known for its strong emphasis on science and engineering, Caltech offers rigorous academics, a low student-to-faculty ratio, and close collaboration with research institutions like NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

California Institute of Technology Offered Programs

  • Aeronautics & Astronautics
  • Applied Physics & Materials Science
  • Astrophysics
  • Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics
  • Biology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Science and Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Physics
  • Planetary Science
  • Quantum Science and Engineering

California Institute of Technology Tuition Fees

Fee TypeAmount (USD/year)
Tuition and Fees65,622
Room and Board12,105
Books and Supplies1,428
Personal Expenses3,285
Total Estimated Cost82,440

California Institute of Technology Required Documents and Admission Requirements

  • Completed Common Application or Coalition Application
  • High school transcripts
  • SAT or ACT scores (optional)
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal essay
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students
  • Application fee or fee waiver request

California Institute of Technology Deadlines

Application StageDeadline
Early ActionNovember 1
Regular DecisionJanuary 3
Financial Aid ApplicationMarch 2
Admission NotificationMid-March
Enrollment ConfirmationMay 1

California Institute of Technology Scholarships Offerings

Caltech provides need-based financial aid and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Merit scholarships are not typically awarded. The average aid package significantly reduces the net cost for eligible students.

California Institute of Technology Rankings

Ranking CategoryPosition
U.S. News National Universities#6 in the USA
Times Higher Education World Ranking#7 globally
QS World University Rankings#10 globally

California Institute of Technology Acceptance Rate

Caltech is highly selective with an acceptance rate around 3-4%, reflecting its competitive admissions process.

California Institute of Technology Student Campus Life

Caltech offers a unique residential house system with eight undergraduate houses that foster community and collaboration. Students live on campus in dormitories and participate in numerous clubs, activities, and events that emphasize both academic and social engagement.

California Institute of Technology Cost of Living

Living in Pasadena is moderately expensive. On-campus housing simplifies access to facilities, though off-campus options are available. Students should budget for room, board, transportation, and personal expenses.

Expense CategoryEstimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Room and Board1,000 – 1,300
Food300 – 400
Transportation100 – 150
Personal Expenses200 – 300

California Institute of Technology Contact Informations

Website: caltech.edu
Phone Number: +1 626-395-6811
Email Address: admissions@caltech.edu
Address: 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA

California Institute of Technology Online Application

Applications are submitted through the Common Application or Coalition Application platform. Applicants must submit all required documents, test scores (if applicable), and financial aid forms by the specified deadlines. Admission status and documents can be tracked via Caltech’s application portal.