Quick Summary
Based in Pasadena, USA, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a private with roots dating back to 1891. Ranked #10 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 2437 students including 34% from outside USA. Known for strengths in Physics & Astronomy, Geology, Geophysics, it maintains an acceptance rate of 2.7%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Caltech offers an unparalleled student-to-faculty ratio and the opportunity to participate in world-changing research from day one. It is a tight-knit community of the world's brightest STEM minds.
Subject Strengths
Physics & AstronomyGeologyGeophysicsChemical EngineeringBiological SciencesChemistryMathematics
Founded1891
TypePrivate
Total Students2437
Intl Students34%
Faculty Ratio3
CampusSuburban
Campus Size124 acres
Affiliated HospitalsHuntington Hospital,Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Research Affiliation)
AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#10
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#6
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#9
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Graduate,PhD
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Limited (Executive Education and Coursera Partnerships)
Online Programs
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL),Caltech Seismological Laboratory,LIGO,Palomar Observatory,Kavli Nanoscience Institute
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate2.7%
IELTS7.5
TOEFL100
Min GPA3.5
GREOptional/Not Required for most programs
GMATNot Available
SATTest-Free (Not considered)
ACTTest-Free (Not considered)
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 3
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on high-level STEM passion, research experience, and solving complex problems. Caltech is looking for students who are not just high achievers but have a genuine 'maker' or 'scientist' soul.
05
Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$63,255/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$27,000/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$63,255/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$75
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$90,255/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$55,000
Financial AidNeed-blind for US citizens and permanent residents; Meet 100% of demonstrated need.
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Graduate,PhD programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Mechanical Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Physics | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Electrical Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Bioengineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$112,000
Average Salary After Graduation
94%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementExtremely high through SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships) and JPL.
Industry Connections
SpaceXNASAGoogleIntelBoeingNVIDIA
Notable Alumni
Richard Feynman,Frances Arnold,Kip Thorne,Harrison Schmitt,Gordon Moore
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Braun Athletic Center, Alumni Pool, North Field
Student Clubs
Caltech Y,Engineers Without Borders,Robotics Team,Solar Decathlon
Library Resources
Sherman Fairchild Library, Millikan Library (extensive digital and physical science archives)
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships)