California Institute of Technology: 2.7% Acceptance Rate

2.7%Acceptance

$63,255Tuition

1,023Students

93%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$128,566Earnings

#4 in CaliforniaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About California Institute of Technology

Caltech operates as one of the world's most top science and engineering research institutions with just 1,023 students in Pasadena's midsize city environment. The school accepts only 2.69% of applicants, creating an intensely focused community where Nobel laureates like physicist Kip Thorne and tech pioneers like Intel co-founder Gordon Moore once studied. Every aspect revolves around rigorous STEM education and groundbreaking research. The 3:1 student-faculty ratio ensures unprecedented access to leading scientists and engineers.

The sticker price hits $84,186 annually, but most students pay far less through generous need-based aid. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,667 net, while those making $48,000-$75,000 pay around $7,003. Graduates earn a median $128,566 ten years out, making the investment worthwhile despite the upfront costs. Only 3.56% of students take federal loans, reflecting the school's strong financial aid packages.

The student body skews heavily toward Asian American (35.39%) and white (19.94%) students, with men comprising 56.70% of enrollment. The 97.77% retention rate reflects students' commitment to the demanding quarter system curriculum. Caltech competes in Division III athletics as the Beavers, though academics clearly take priority over sports in this research-focused environment.

Academics & Faculty

Caltech is one of the world's top research universities, specializing exclusively in science and engineering. The 3:1 student-faculty ratio means undergraduates work directly alongside Nobel laureates and leading researchers in physics, chemistry, engineering, and mathematics. The 93.6% four-year graduation rate reflects the intense academic rigor that produces future Nobel Prize winners and tech innovators. Students dive deep into theoretical physics, aerospace engineering, and computational sciences through hands-on research from day one. The quarter system accelerates learning across disciplines like planetary science and bioengineering. With only 1,023 students total, every undergraduate gets mentorship typically reserved for graduate students at larger institutions.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 3:1
Full-Time Faculty: 93.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 93.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 93.2%
Retention Rate: 97.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $128,566
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$155,297
Chemistry.	Doctoral	$89,875
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$83,177

View all 82 programs →

Campus Life

Caltech's 124-acre campus sits in Pasadena, just 11 miles from downtown Los Angeles. You'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, with year-round sunshine and temperatures rarely dropping below 50 degrees. The campus houses 1,575 students, meaning virtually everyone lives on campus in one of eight undergraduate houses that function like residential colleges at Oxbridge.

With only 1,023 total students, you'll know faces across multiple graduating classes. The 3:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name and research interests. Weekends revolve around house traditions, hiking in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains, or trips to LA beaches. The honor code runs deep here, students take unproctored exams and collaborate freely. House rivalry peaks during Ditch Day, when seniors create elaborate puzzles for underclassmen to solve. With 97.77% of students returning each year, the tight-knit community clearly works. The quarter system moves fast, and the workload is legendarily intense, but you're surrounded by some of the brightest STEM minds in the country.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 1,575 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1891

Campus Safety (2023)

64 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	14	3	1
Stalking	13	3	1
Fondling	7	3	0
Burglary	7	1	0
Rape	3	2	0
Dating Violence	2	2	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0
Domestic Violence	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 45°–68°F
July Avg: 62°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 20.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Caltech draws brilliant STEM minds from across the country, with 59% coming from outside California. Asian students make up over one-third of the campus, reflecting the school's strength in fields where these students excel globally. The 57-43 male-female split mirrors engineering and physics programs that still skew male despite growing female participation in STEM. Only 15% receive Pell Grants, indicating most students come from affluent families who can afford the rigorous prep needed for admission. The tiny enrollment of just 1,023 creates an intimate community of future Nobel laureates and tech entrepreneurs.

Men: 56.7%
Women: 43.3%
White: 19.9%
Black: 3.7%
Hispanic: 19.0%
Asian: 35.4%
In-State Students: 41.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 14.9%

Location

Caltech sits in Pasadena, California, about 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The campus occupies 124 acres in this historic city of 138,000 residents, known for hosting the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade. Students enjoy year-round mild weather and easy access to both the beaches of Santa Monica and the hiking trails of the San Gabriel Mountains. The location provides a quieter academic environment while keeping Los Angeles internships and cultural attractions within reach. Pasadena's Old Town district offers restaurants and shops within walking distance of campus. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Caltech with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pasadena, California 91125

Robert A. Millikan Memorial Library at Caltech

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $128,566
Median Earnings (5 years): $136,775
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $68,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at California Institute of Technology?

Caltech admits just 2.69% of applicants, making it one of the most selective universities in the world. The school's legendary reputation in physics, engineering, and research attracts brilliant minds who compete for fewer than 1,000 spots.

How much does California Institute of Technology cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $18,902 despite a sticker price of $84,186. Caltech's generous aid means families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,667 annually, reflecting the school's commitment to need-blind admissions for exceptional STEM talent.

What is the student-faculty ratio at California Institute of Technology?

Caltech maintains a 3:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,023 total students. This intimate environment allows undergraduates to work directly with Nobel laureates and world-well-known researchers on modern projects.

What are the career outcomes for California Institute of Technology graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $128,566 ten years after graduation with a 93.2% six-year graduation rate. Caltech's emphasis on rigorous problem-solving and research prepares students for leadership roles in tech, aerospace, and scientific research.

Where do students live at California Institute of Technology?

The campus houses 1,575 students in a close-knit residential system with room and board costing $19,503. Caltech's house system creates tight communities where future Nobel Prize winners and tech entrepreneurs live and collaborate together.

Does California Institute of Technology offer athletic scholarships?

Caltech awards $0 in athletic scholarships and competes in NCAA Division III with 263 student-athletes across 16 sports. The Beavers prioritize academic excellence over athletic recruitment, maintaining their identity as scholars first and athletes second.