At $18,902/yr net price, California Institute of Technology graduates earn $128,566/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $94,566/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,902 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,608 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $128,566/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$94,566/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 93.2% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,667/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,023/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,003/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,073/yr |
| $110,001+ | $56,275/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $155,297 | |
| Chemistry. | Doctoral | $89,875 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $83,177 |
The Risk Factor
93.2% of students at California Institute of Technology graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Caltech gives you one of the strongest financial returns available. You pay about $18,902 a year on average and hit median earnings of $128,566 ten years out, and the 93% graduation rate plus 97.77% retention mean you actually finish and collect on that. Almost nobody leaves, and almost everybody graduates, so the risk of paying tuition without a degree is low.
The payoff depends heavily on your major. Computer and information sciences graduates clear $155,297, roughly double what mechanical engineering graduates earn at $83,177. Both are solid, but the gap is large enough that your field choice shapes your return more than the school name does. Caltech sits in Pasadena, next to the tech and aerospace employers that hire these exact degrees, so the earnings hold up in the local market.
The net price tiers split sharply by income. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay roughly $1,000 to $1,700 a year, which makes this school close to free for lower-income families. From $48,000 to $75,000, the price jumps to about $7,000. Above $75,000, it climbs fast, to $22,073, and families over $110,000 pay $56,275, near full sticker.
The main financial risk here is academic, not economic. Caltech is small and intense, and the strong earnings assume you complete a demanding STEM degree. If you are unsure you want engineering or hard sciences, the payoff math weakens, because the high-earning programs are the technical ones. This school fits you if you want a STEM career and either come from a lower-income family or can absorb the high-income sticker price. If your family earns over $110,000 and you are not committed to a technical field, weigh the near-full cost carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California Institute of Technology worth the high cost?
Despite Caltech's reputation, the return depends heavily on your major. Computer science graduates earn around $155,000 annually, making the investment worthwhile, but chemistry and engineering majors see much lower returns at $89,000-$83,000.
How much debt do California Institute of Technology students typically have?
Caltech's generous financial aid keeps the average net price at $18,902 per year, significantly lower than the sticker price. Most students graduate with manageable debt levels due to the school's strong endowment and need-based aid.
What majors at California Institute of Technology have the best job prospects?
Computer science leads with $155,000 average earnings, while traditional Caltech strengths like chemistry ($89,875) and mechanical engineering ($83,177) pay less than expected. The 2.7% acceptance rate means competition is fierce regardless of major.
Does California Institute of Technology financial aid make it affordable?
Yes, for most students. The net price of $18,902 represents substantial aid from the full cost, and the 93% graduation rate means most students complete their degrees and enter high-paying careers.