California Institute of Technology [CalTech] Rankings, Campus, Courses, Admissions 2024, Cost, Scholarships, Placements & Alumni

Pasadena, CaliforniaLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1920established year
2238enrollment
ACS WASC
Private (Not for Profit)
7.9/10
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Akanksha

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California Institute of Technology popularly known as CalTech is a well-renowned research institute for Science and Engineering. Caltech campus is home to 982 undergraduate students and 1,410 graduate students. The university houses 18% international students. It is one of the hardest universities in USA to gain admission, with an acceptance rate of only 3%.

For admission to Caltech, applicants do not need require any minimum GPA. The majority of accepted applicants displayed a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (90%) and are among the top 10% of their class. The estimated tuition in California Institute of Technology for an international student is 60,816 USD (50.64 lakhs INR). According to the university, 46% graduates went to attend graduate or professional schools, and 43% students secured full-time employment. 

Check Out: CalTech (Spanish)

Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to study in USA? Check out the top 100% scholarships for international students, here:

Caltech Acceptance Rate

California Institute of Technology is one of the hardest universities in the world to get into. The university has an overall acceptance rate of only 3%. Caltech has observed an enrollment of 1023 undergraduate students, and, 1440 graduate students in Fall 2023-24. Around 126 international students constitute 12% of the undergraduate student body of the university. The university encourages students to have confidence in themselves to cope up in a university with an undergraduate population of less than 1000.

Recent News:

US could hit the edge of the enrolment cliff as early as 2025, which could result in a 15-20% increase in the number of Indian students enrolling in American universities by 2026, according to study abroad experts.

Caltech Rankings

California Institute of Technology is ranked at #15 in QS World University rankings 2024. It is not an Ivy League school, but enjoys a similar status due to its high research reputation. Some trends of California Institute of Technology rankings by reputed agencies are as follows:

Ranking Type 2024 Rank 2023 Rank 2022 Rank 2021 Rank
QS World University Rankings #15 #=6 #6 #4
THE World University Rankings #7 #6 #2 #4
U.S. News and World Report Best Global Universities - #9 #9 #7
ARWU (Shanghai Rankings) - - #9 #9

Check the comparisons between California Institute of Technology and some top ranked universities in the world:

Tour

California Institute of Technology Campus

The California Institute of Technology campus is situated in the heart of Pasadena at the foot of the prestigious San Gabriel Mountains. The university owns the Kavli Nanoscience Institute for research purpose. Its Seismological Laboratory located on the school campus is the global preeminent source for earthquake information.

The university has its own Center for Autonomous Systems and Technology, Bioengineering center, Observatory and many other on-campus research facilities. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is the leading research center for robotic exploration of the solar system in the United States.

California Institute of Technology Student Life

  • There are more than 50 student clubs and sports organizations and 16 Division III varsity teams.
  • The university guarantees housing for all first-year graduate students looking to study in USA. All freshmen and second-year undergraduate students are also offered with campus residence.
Campus

Caltech Courses

California Institute of Technology offers 28 undergraduate majors to its students across 6 academic divisions. International students can select from 30 graduate programs in California Institute of Technology.

Research is an integral part of Caltech, with over 50 research centres and institutes. This includes 5 NASA facilities on campus. Caltech students conduct research along with Nobel laureates.

Some top Caltech courses and their respective tuition fees are as follows:

California Institute of Technology Top Programs and Fees

Programs Total Annual Fees Total Annual Fees (INR)
Master of Science [M.S], Civil Engineering USD 62,244 INR 5195507
Master of Science [M.S], Mechanical Engineering USD 62,244 INR 5195507
Master of Science [M.S], Medical Engineering USD 62,244 INR 5195507
Master of Science [M.S], Bioengineering USD 62,244 INR 5195507
Master of Science [M.S], Computer Science USD 62,244 INR 5195507
Master of Science [M.S], Biology USD 62,244 INR 5195507
Master of Science [M.S], Mathematics USD 62,244 INR 5195507
Master of Science [M.S], Physics USD 62,244 INR 5195507

California Institute of Technology Admissions

In an academic year, the university admits international applicants in three 10-week terms, plus an optional summer research term. The step-by-step application process is provided below:

Details of admission to the undergraduate and graduate programs in California Institute of Technology are as follows:

Caltech Admissions: PG

Category PG Admission Requirements
Application Portal Graduate Portal
Application Fee 100 USD (8,320 INR)
Academic Requirements Undergraduate degree from a registered institute | Top 5 to 10% students of their class
GPA No bar | Minimum scores of accepted candiates: 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (90%)
English Proficiency Requirements IELTS: 7 | TOEFL iBT: 100 | Duolingo: 130
Standardized Test Scores GRE/GMAT score (Avg. GRE: 330 | GMAT: 500)
SOP/LOR 3 Letters of recommendation | Statement of purpose
Additional Requirements CV | Work experience

Caltech Admissions: UG

Category UG Admission Requirements
Application Portal Common App | QuestBridge
Application Fee 75 USD (6,245 INR)
Academic Requirements Higher secondary certificate
GPA No minimum GPA (Minimum scores of accepted candiates: 3.5 out of 4.0 or 90%)
English Proficiency Requirements IELTS: 7 | TOEFL iBT: 100 | Duolingo: 130
Additional Requirements CV | Personal statement

California Institute of Technology Cost of Attendance

The annual tuition for both the undergraduate and graduate programs in Caltech is 60,816 USD (50.65 lakhs INR). The fees and other expenses vary across different academic levels. The following table provides the approximate costs of studying in Caltech:

Type of Expense Annual Cost for Undergraduate (USD) Annual Cost for Graduate (USD)
Tuition Fees 60,816 60,816
Fees 2,439 2,247
Accommodation 11,247-12,960 9,180-20,268
Meal 6,471-8,256 8,395
Books and Supplies 1,428 1,400
Personal Expenses 2,700-4,428 9,000
Transportation 0-1,764 -
Health, Dental, & Vision - 880
Total 86,886-90,306 91,918-103,006

California Institute of Technology Cost Comparison

University Tuition Fee (USD) Equivalent Tuition Fee for Indians (INR)
California Institute of Technology 60,816 50.64 lakhs
New York University 16,148 to 109,050 13.44 to 90.82 lakhs
Stanford University 36,000 to 82,000 29.98 to 68.29 lakhs

Caltech Scholarships

Caltech does not offer any merit-based scholarships. The university meets 100% requirement of students with a demonstrated financial need. The institute provides scholarships, loans, awards, grants only on the basis of the needs of the students and even helps them to locate work while studying to support their finances. International applicants can apply to various external scholarships for international students in USA. Some popular scholarships for studying in USA are as follows:

Scholarships to Study in USA

Caltech Placements

The Career Development Center of California Institute of Technology provides dedicated career services to its graduates and alumni. The center provides counseling, resume writing workshops and tips, pre-health and pre-professional advising, Networking strategies, and higher study options to the students. Students even learn to compose interview thank you letters through the career centrer. Students are provided with LinkedIn labs to connect with employers.

The average starting salary of California Institute of Technology graduates is 116,000 USD (96 lakhs INR). Career fairs arranged twice a year by the university brings over 150 recruiters to employ Caltech graduates. The average salary for various jobs in USA after studying in Caltech is given below:

Caltech Placements

Caltech Alumni

California Institute of Technology alumni network has over 25,500 active living members. Caltech alumni include Nobel laureates, entrepreneurs, academic leaders, technological innovators, medical pioneers, etc. The alumni benefits include career assistance through Caltech Alumni Advisors Network and can seek or offer a job on Handshake.

California Institute of Technology Notable Alumni

Alumni Designation Achievements
Kip Thorne American theoretical physicist Known for his contributions in gravitational physics and astrophysics
Linus Pauling American chemist and biochemist Published more than 1,200 papers and books
Gordon Moore American businessman and engineer Proposed Moore's law
Benoit Mandelbrot American-French-Polish mathematician and polymath Wolf Prize for Physics in 1993, the Japan Prize in 2003, the Einstein Lectureship of the American Mathematical Society in 2006 among others.
Donald Knuth American computer scientist and mathematician 1974 recipient of the ACM Turing Award, informally considered the Nobel Prize of computer science

A world-renowned institute, Caltech addresses some fundamental scientific questions and presses for societal challenges through the brightest and most innovative minds in the world. Ranked among the best universities in USA, the institute ensures equal learning opportunities for all the students with on-campus housing for all candidates. Furthermore, Caltech fulfills entire costs and needs of the students through its need-based scholarship programs. The university brings international students to professional exposure through its career oriented programs and hence is a desired place for international students willing to study in the USA.

FAQs

Ques. Is Caltech an Ivy Leage institute?

Ans. No, the California Institute of Technology is not a Ivy League institute. However, the institute is one of the top universities in the USA and has an equivalent reputation like a Ivy League member.

Ques. What is the application fee of California Institute of Technology?

Ans. Caltech accepts an application fee of 70 USD (5,800 INR) from the international undergraduate students and 100 USD (8,300 INR) from the graduate applicants.

Ques. What is the average cost of studying in the California Institute of Technology?

Ans.International students can anticipate a tuition cost of 60,816 USD (50.64 lakhs INR) across both undergraduate and graduate levels in California Institute of Technology.

Ques. What is the minimum GPA required for Caltech admission?

Ans. The university has no bar on the minimum GPA requirement, however, as an applicant you should get a GPA of 3.5 on 4.0 (~89-90%) or above for Caltech admission. 

Ques. Is admission to Caltech tough? 

Ans. Yes, California Institute of Technology is one of the highly selective universities in USA with an acceptance rate of only 3%As a prospective student, you need excellent academic results, standardized test scores and multiple recommendations as the basic prerequisites for Caltech admission.

Top Recommended Courses


Master of Science [M.S] Electrical Engineering

1 year
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL110|GRE296|IELTS7
INR 50.8 L/YrUSD 60,816 /Yr
1 Student Applied

Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science

1 year
On Campus
English
Full Time
Ranked #13 out of 1027 by THE Global Ranking 2024
Exam Scores: TOEFL110|GRE296|IELTS7
INR 50.8 L/YrUSD 60,816 /Yr
1 Student Applied

M.S(2 years)
English
Full Time
INR 50.8 L/YrUSD 60,816 /Yr
Available Courses
Exams Score
TOEFL110|GRE296|IELTS7
11 Students Applied
1 Student Admitted

B.Sc Computer Science(4 years)
English
Full Time
INR 50.8 L/YrUSD 60,816 /Yr
Available Course
Exams Score
Top specializations

Ph.D Biochemistry(4 years)
English
Full Time
INR 50.8 L/YrUSD 60,816 /Yr
Available Course
Exams Score

Ph.D Chemistry(4 years)
English
Full Time
INR 50.8 L/YrUSD 60,816 /Yr
Available Course
Exams Score
Top specializations

B.Eng(4 years)
English
Full Time
INR 50.8 L/YrUSD 60,816 /Yr
Available Courses
Exams Score
2 Students Applied

Ph.D Computer Science(4 years)
English
Full Time
INR 50.8 L/YrUSD 60,816 /Yr
Available Course
Exams Score
Top specializations

California Institute of Technology comparison

California Institute of TechnologyUniversity of CaliforniaStanford UniversityPrinceton UniversityHarvard UniversityMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyUniversity of CaliforniaGeorgia Institute of Technology
Collegedunia Score8.3 Out of 107.8 Out of 109.3 Out of 108.3 Out of 1010 Out of 109 Out of 108.4 Out of 106.1 Out of 10
Overall Ranking
  • #7 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #7 US News 2024
  • #15 QS World University 2024
  • #15 US News 2024
  • #18 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #29 QS World University 2024
  • #2 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #3 US News 2024
  • #5 QS World University 2024
  • #1 US News 2024
  • #6 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #17 QS World University 2024
  • #3 US News 2024
  • #4 QS World University 2024
  • #4 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #1 QS World University 2024
  • #2 US News 2024
  • #3 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #9 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #10 QS World University 2024
  • #15 US News 2024
  • #33 US News 2024
  • #36 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #97 QS World University 2024
Subject Strength
  • #7 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024
  • #185 for Medicine by QS World University 2023
  • #16 for Engineering by US News 2024
  • #18 for Medicine by US News 2024
  • #14 for Law by US News 2024
  • #2 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024
  • #5 for Medicine by US News 2024
  • #1 for Law by US News 2024
  • #8 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024
  • #154 for Medicine by QS World University 2023
  • #51 for Law by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021
  • #1 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024
  • #1 for Medicine by US News 2024
  • #1 for Law by Times Higher Education 2024
  • #1 for Engineering by US News 2024
  • #4 for Medicine by QS World University 2023
  • #3 for Engineering by US News 2024
  • #24 for Medicine by QS World University 2023
  • #6 for Law by Times Higher Education 2024
  • #5 for Engineering by US News 2024
  • #346 for Medicine by QS World University 2023
  • #251 for Law by QS World University 2020
Programs
  • UG Programs- 27
  • PG Programs - 13
  • Doctorate Programs -16
  • UG Programs- 23
  • PG Programs - 43
  • Doctorate Programs -7
  • UG Programs- 53
  • PG Programs - 43
  • Doctorate Programs -70
  • UG Programs- 18
  • PG Programs - 13
  • Doctorate Programs -6
  • UG Programs- 40
  • PG Programs - 60
  • Doctorate Programs -8
  • UG Programs- 48
  • PG Programs - 41
  • Doctorate Programs -30
  • UG Programs- 31
  • PG Programs - 46
  • Doctorate Programs -13
  • UG Programs- 42
  • PG Programs - 65
  • Doctorate Programs -8
Acceptance Rate3.0 %11.0 %3.9 %4.5 %7.0 %4.0 %16.4 %23.0 %
Exam Score
Cost to Study
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 4704703.08 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 4704703.08 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 2702174.31 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 3588625.71 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 2215627.68 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 2886726.48 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 6173775.08 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 6044897.4 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 2555016.7 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 4127591.5 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 4513222.9 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 1555046.1 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 4395446.73 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 1552542 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 2645080.83 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 4807037.3 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 4807037.3 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 2035833.3 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 3438630.12 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 2215627.68 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 4806035.66 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 2618453.9 [For UG Program]
  • Average Tuition Fees:INR 2432315.8 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:INR 670431.04 Per Year
-Read Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full ComparisonRead Full Comparison

California Institute of Technology Ranking

20242023202220212020201920182017

Times Higher Education logo

Overall 7 out of 1600 in Global Ranking

#5 out of 137 in USA 2024
Engineering 7 out of 1374 in Global Ranking
( #5 out of 139 in USA 2024)
Natural Sciences 11 out of 1059 in Global Ranking
( #8 out of 123 in USA 2024)
Computer Science and Engineering 13 out of 1027 in Global Ranking
( #7 out of 122 in USA 2024)
Computer Science 13 out of 1027 in Global Ranking
( #7 out of 122 in USA 2024)

Nearest Ranked Colleges

Princeton University

Ranked 6
Score 96.9

Harvard University

Ranked 4
Score 97.8

University of California

Ranked 9
Score 94.6

QS World University logo

Overall 15 out of 1401 in Global Ranking

#8 out of 191 in USA 2024

Nearest Ranked Colleges

Cornell University

Ranked 13
Score 89.3

University of Pennsylvania

Ranked 12
Score 89.4

Yale University

Ranked 16
Score 87.7

California Institute of Technology Student Profiles

Filter By: admitted

California Institute of Technology Ratings

Based on 3 Students Rating

7.9 out of 10
10.0/10Academic
9.3/10Accommodation
9.7/10Faculty
9.3/10Infrastructure
9.3/10Placement

California Institute of Technology Reviews


StreamDegree TypeStudent StatusNationalityBatchCourse
Sort By :
Newest First

Engineering (1)
Mathematics (1)
Electrical and Electronics Engineering (1)
Sciences (1)


3 Reviews Found

SS
8.3 /10

Research focused, very well connected and nice weather throughout the year.

Fees:

PhD programs have no tuition fees, they are waived off.

academic: 10/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 10/10
placement: 10/10

SS
8.3 /10

Caltech is very strong in what I do (electrical engineering) and other domains of science. It is a highly reputed institution and very selective.

Fees:

Around $50k

academic: 10/10
faculty: 10/10
infrastructure: 10/10
accomodation: 10/10
placement: 10/10

HM
7.2 /10

My sister who lived in the USA had suggested me to take admission in this college. An online application form was submitted by me with an application fee $75 to get admission. They even asked me to show my undergraduate mark-sheet where I got 9.5 GPA.

Fees:

The tuition cost I paid was $52,000 plus a fee of $2000 was also charged form me. Other than this my books supplied and miscellaneous expenses got close to $1200 and $1800. Thankfully I received the financial aid of $10,000 which I had applied during the process of admission.

academic: 10/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 8/10

California Institute of Technology Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Caltech ScholarshipsScholarship per student₹ 72.5 L/Yr$86,891Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship ProgramScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
TEC ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 83,470/Yr$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Narotam Sekhsaria ScholarshipsScholarship per student₹ 16.7 Cr/Yr$2,000,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Microsoft Tuition ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Business Administration ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

California Institute of Technology Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)

California Institute of Technology Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Undergraduate
SAT15601530159065
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing770750790-
Mathematics790780800-
ACT35343556
Check Detailed Score
English353436-
Mathematics363536-

Attendance Cost

₹5,195,507

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
₹5,195,507 / Year
Post Graduate Program
₹5,195,507 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
₹110,431 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
₹1,235,022 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
₹239,893 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
₹1,109,567 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
₹354,581 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
₹357,585 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
₹365,849 / Year

California Institute of Technology Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
61065428678980

California Institute of Technology Campus Location


+1-626-395-6811
Telephone
1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125
Address

Comments


10 Comments
F
faiqa khan
Can i eligible for MS with 6 bands?
A
azjargal uchralt

I want to apply to MIT and California Institute of Technology but fear my IELTS score.

L
Lagan Kapoor

Caltech requires a minimum score of 7.0 on the IELTS Academic test. However, you can explore the Caltech courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.

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