Caltech
Caltech at a Glance
Caltech Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #6 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #10 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #6 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #9 | 2024 |
Caltech Overview
California Institute of Technology is a private university in Pasadena, CA with 2,518 students. With a 3.1% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Engineering, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences.
| Full Name | California Institute of Technology |
| Location | Pasadena, CA 91125 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | caltech.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 2,518 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 1,023 |
| Female Students | 44.8% |
Caltech Housing & Dorms: Cost Breakdown
Should You Live On or Off Campus at Caltech?
Caltech has 1,575 on-campus beds for 1,023 undergrads — that's enough for about 154% of the undergraduate population. Most students live on campus all four years.
On-Campus
- Walk to classes — no commute
- Meal plan included
- Built-in community and social life
- Utilities, wifi, and furniture included
Off-Campus
- Potentially cheaper (varies by city)
- More privacy and independence
- Cook your own meals — save on food
- Need to budget for utilities and transport
Caltech Campus & Location
Caltech is located in Pasadena, CA — classified as City: Midsize. The urban setting offers good access to restaurants, jobs, and cultural activities near campus.
Caltech Programs & Graduate Salary
Salary outcomes by program, based on earnings data four years after graduation.
| Program | US Rank | Caltech Salary | National Median | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | #7 | $133,687 | $75,000 | +78% |
| Engineering | #4 | $128,339 | $72,000 | +78% |
| Mathematics & Statistics | — | $110,514 | $62,000 | +78% |
| Physical Sciences | #2 | $85,560 | $48,000 | +78% |
| Biological Sciences | #7 | $65,100 | $42,000 | +55% |
Popular Majors at Caltech
Percentage of degrees awarded by field.
Student Demographics
How to Get Into Caltech
Caltech is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Beyond grades and scores, Caltech wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
What Caltech Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Not Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Very Important |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Very Important |
| Extracurricular Activities | Very Important |
| Talent Ability | Very Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Not Considered |
| Interview | Important |
| Work Experience | Not Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Considered |
Caltech Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Caltech EA admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Action | Nov 1 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 3 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Mar 2 |
Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About Caltech
More About Caltech
Other Colleges in CA
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Caltech is not affiliated with DeepColleges.