Last Updated on September 30, 2024
California Institute of Technology, or CalTech as it is commonly called, enjoys a high reputation as a research institute for Science and Engineering. The campus of Caltech accommodates 982 students at the undergraduate level and 1,410 who are pursuing graduate studies. Interestingly enough, international students make up to 18% part in this university’s student body population. This university is among the toughest in USA to get entry into, having a mere acceptance rate of 3%.
For getting into Caltech, there is no fixed minimum GPA requirement for applicants. Most of the accepted students have shown a least GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 (90%) and are in top 10% class rankers. The expected fee at California Institute of Technology for an overseas student would be around USD 60,816 (Approximately INR 50.64 lakhs). The university states that 46% of graduates proceeded to attend graduate or professional schools, and 43% of students managed to secure full-time employment.
Caltech Acceptance Rate
California Institute of Technology is a very challenging university to get into. The school has an acceptance rate of just 3%. Caltech has 1,023 students in undergraduate programs, and there are 1440 students in graduate programs for Fall of the year 2023-24. About 126 international students make up about 12% of all undergraduate learners at this university.
Caltech Rankings
| 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 |
California Institute of Technology Campus
The California Institute of Technology campus is located in the busy area of Pasadena, near the famous San Gabriel Mountains. The university also has Kavli Nanoscience Institute used for doing research work. The Seismological Laboratory on the school grounds is a top global source for earthquake details.
The university has its own Center for Autonomous Systems and Technology, Bioengineering center, Observatory and many other research facilities on campus. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is the main place in the United States for studying robots that explore the solar system.
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.
Caltech Courses
California Institute of Technology gives students 28 different undergraduate majors, spread across six academic divisions. For international students, there are options to choose from 30 graduate programs at California Institute of Technology.
Research is very important at Caltech, which has more than 50 research centers and institutes. This also includes 5 NASA facilities located on the 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 65,706 | ₹ 5491050 |
| Master of Science [M.S], Mechanical Engineering | USD 65,706 | ₹ 5491050 |
| Master of Science [M.S], Medical Engineering | USD 65,706 | ₹ 5491050 |
| Master of Science [M.S], Bioengineering | USD 65,706 | ₹ 5491050 |
| Master of Science [M.S], Computer Science | USD 65,706 | ₹ 5491050 |
| Master of Science [M.S], Biology | USD 65,706 | ₹ 5491050 |
| Master of Science [M.S], Mathematics | USD 65,706 | ₹ 5491050 |
| Master of Science [M.S], Physics | USD 65,706 | ₹ 5491050 |
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:
| Step Number | Description |
| Step 1 | Create an account at university’s graduate portal |
| Step 2 | Submit an application fee of 100 USD |
| Step 3 | Upload a Statement of Purpose |
| Step 4 | Upload an electronic copy of the official transcripts |
| Step 5 | Upload 3 LOR’s and Resume |
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
Caltech charges $60,816 (equivalent to 50.65 lakh INR) per year for tuition in both its undergraduate and graduate programs. However, the total expenses, including fees, differ based on the specific academic program. Below is a breakdown of the estimated costs for studying at 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
At Caltech, merit-based scholarships are not available. Instead, the institution fully addresses the financial needs of students who demonstrate a requirement for assistance. The university offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, loans, awards, and grants, all based on student need. Additionally, Caltech supports students in finding part-time work opportunities to help manage their expenses.
For international students, while Caltech doesn’t offer specific scholarships, there are numerous external funding opportunities available for those studying in the USA. Some well-known scholarship programs for international students pursuing education in the United States include:
| Scholarships in USA | Type | Eligibility | Award Amount |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Merit-Based | A first-class undergraduate degree; Candidate should be over the age of 30 years | USD 100,000 |
| Fulbright-Nehru Masters Fellowships | Merit-Based | Minimum 55% or higher in an UG; IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent | Variable |
| National Overseas Scholarship | Need-Based | Total family income should not exceed INR 6,00,000; Minimum 55% or it’s equivalent | USD 15,400 |
| Mahindra Finance KCMET Scholarship | Need-Based | For girls from disadvantaged backgrounds; First Class degree or equivalent | USD 5,542 |
| #YouAreWelcomeHere | Tuition-Fee-Waiver | Write an essay of 500-1000 words or record a video of 2 to 5 minutes | Variable |
Caltech Placements
The Career Development Center at California Institute of Technology gives special career help to its students and past graduates. The center offers counseling, workshops for writing resumes with tips, advice on pre-health and professional paths, strategies for networking, and choices for further studies to the learners. Students even learn how to write interview thank you letters with the help from career center. Students also attend LinkedIn workshops to connect employers.
The starting salary for graduates from California Institute of Technology is on average 116,000 USD (96 lakhs INR). The university holds career fairs two times every year that attract more than 150 recruiters to hire Caltech graduates. The average salary for different jobs in USA after studying at Caltech is listed below:
| Job Title | Average Salary (USD) |
| Software Engineer | 116,211 |
| Data Scientist | 122,449 |
| Research Scientist | 100,000 |
| Senior Mechanical Engineer | 118,000 |
| Aerospace Engineer | 88,380 |
| Data Analyst | 71,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 90,000 |
In conclusion, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) stands as a premier institution renowned for its rigorous academic programs and groundbreaking research. Consistently ranked among the top universities globally, Caltech excels in fields such as Engineering, Physical Sciences, and Computer Science. With a remarkable history of 39 Nobel laureates and numerous prestigious awards, including Turing Awards and National Medals of Science, Caltech has made significant contributions to science and technology. The institute’s commitment to innovation is evident in its achievements, from pioneering gravitational wave detection to advancements in sustainable energy. As a hub for intellectual creativity, Caltech continues to shape the future through its exceptional education and research initiatives.
FAQs
What standardized tests are required for admission to Caltech?
Caltech requires applicants to submit scores from standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. Additionally, international students must provide English proficiency scores, typically a minimum of 7.0 on the IELTS or 100 on the TOEFL.
What are the admission requirements for undergraduate programs?
To apply for undergraduate programs at Caltech, students need a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 75%, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
What are some of the top courses offered at Caltech?
Caltech is renowned for its programs in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science. These fields consistently rank among the best in the world.
How much does it cost to study at Caltech?
The estimated annual cost of attending the California Institute of Technology, including tuition and living expenses, is around $80,000. Financial aid options are available for eligible students.
What is Caltech’s ranking among universities globally?
Caltech is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities worldwide, recognized for its excellence in science and engineering research and education.
How does studying in the USA differ from other countries?
Studying in the USA offers diverse educational experiences, with a focus on research and innovation. The system encourages critical thinking and collaboration, which may differ from more traditional approaches in other countries.
Manan is a graduate of the esteemed University of Delhi where he cultivated a taste for writing and research. His degree in Bachelor of Management Studies helps him guide students in their academic endeavours. Manan strives to spread excellent study abroad tips that can prove to be helpful.
