Placement Metric
Highest Package
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Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.
California Institute of Technology
7.9(3)
VerifiedPrivate (Not for Profit)Estd. 1893
Founded
1893
Type
Private (Not for Profit)
University Guide
About California Institute of Technology
Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) was established in 1891. It is a top-ranked private research university located in Pasadena, California, USA. Caltech’s most recent Common Data Set reports an estimated acceptance rate of 2.6%. The institute primarily admits students for the Fall intake. With a student-to-faculty ratio of about 3:1, Caltech offers a highly personalized and close-knit academic environment.
Caltech offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs. Popular programs include Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Information & Data Sciences.
Annual UG Fees: USD 65,622 (INR 60.2 L)
Annual PG Fees: USD 65,622 + $2,379 mandatory fees (INR 62.3 L)
Estimated Cost of Attendance: USD 93,912-111,090 (INR 86.4-1.1 Cr)
Scholarships: Caltech follows a need-based financial aid model. Eligible international students may receive full tuition support, along with grants as part of their financial aid package.
There is no officially stated minimum percentage requirement for admission at Caltech. Indian applicants are recommended to aim for 90-95%. Required English Proficiency scores are TOEFL iBT: 100, IELTS: 7.0, and Duolingo: 130. Applicants will need to submit official transcripts, LORs, and essays to make their application strong. Caltech is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, with recent rankings including #10 in QS World University Rankings. Students on Collegedunia rated Caltech a 7.9/10.
Students’ review from Reddit:
- Students on Reddit frequently mention that Caltech has an intense workload, with problem sets taking up a large part of the week and academics requiring consistent effort.
- Despite the rigor, many students highlight a strong collaborative environment where peer support, office hours, and faculty interaction help students succeed academically.
- Students mention that Caltech’s small campus can feel quiet, especially on weekends, which may not appeal to those looking for a lively college atmosphere.
- Some Reddit commenters express dissatisfaction with campus housing conditions and feel the administration is not always responsive to student concerns.
- One Reddit user noted that if you qualify for aid, Caltech covers a large portion of costs, making it more affordable than it initially seems.
Note: As of January 27, 2026, USD 1 = 91.79 is used throughout the article for currency conversion.
Table of Contents
- Caltech Popular Courses and Fees 2026
- California Institute of Technology Intakes
- Caltech Admission Requirements 2026
- California Institute of Technology Campus
- Caltech Accommodation
- Caltech Scholarships
- Caltech Rankings 2025-2026
- FAQs
Caltech Popular Courses and Fees 2026
At Caltech, the tuition for all undergraduate and graduate programs is $65,622 per year; for graduate students, mandatory fees of approximately $2,379 are added, bringing the total billed amount to $68,001 per year.
| Programs | Annual Fees in USD | Annual Fees in INR | Notes for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | USD 68,001 | 62.3 L | Highly competitiveResearch-focused with a strong CS/math background needed. |
| MS Electrical Engineering | USD 68,001 | 62.3 L | Research-orientedGood for IIT/background applicants. |
| MS Mathematics | USD 68,001 | 62.3 L | The GRE Math Subject Test can strengthen your profile. |
| MS Civil Engineering | USD 68,001 | 62.3 L | Research-focused with emphasis on structures, geotechnics, environmental/interdisciplinary aspects. |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | USD 68,001 | 62.3 L | Good fit for applicants with a strong IIT/background in mechanical engineering. Prepare for rigorous core requirements in math/physics. |
| MS Astrophysics | USD 68,001 | 62.3 L | Very research-heavy with limited spots. Strong physics/math required. |
| BS Information and Data Sciences | USD 65,622 | 60.2 L | Very competitive for Indian applicants. Excellent for data/tech careers. |
| BS Mechanical Engineering | USD 65,622 | 60.2 L | Rigorous core curriculum (math/physics heavy). Extracurriculars/research can boost the chances. |
| BS Chemical Engineering | USD 65,622 | 60.2 L | Strong chemistry/math foundation needed. Apply early and demonstrate need. |
| BS Computer Science | USD 65,622 | 60.2 L | Extremely competitive for Indians. Excellent tech career outcomes. Coding/math background essential. |
Also read: Caltech Courses & Fees 2026
California Institute of Technology Intakes
Caltech follows an academic calendar with three terms per year (Fall, Winter, Spring), with an optional Summer research term:
- Fall Term: Mid-September to early December
- Winter Term: Early January to mid-March
- Spring Term: Late March to early June
- Summer Term: June to late August (optional research/activities)
The fall term is considered Caltech’s main intake period for both UG and PG students.
To know about the admission process & deadlines, visit Caltech Admissions 2026.
Caltech Admission Requirements 2026
Caltech does not publish a specific percentage required for admission to the institution. However, Indian applicants are advised to have a score of 90-95%. Caltech does not formally list precise numeric minimum English scores for admissions in its official graduate admissions checklist.
| Particulars | Undergraduates | Postgraduates |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Completion of Indian Class 12 (CBSE/ISC/State Boards/IB/A-Levels) with strong math & science preparation. | Completed a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution. |
| English Proficiency (Course-Specific) |
TOEFL iBT: 100 | IELTS: 7.0 | Duolingo: 130 | |
| Transcripts & Documents |
|
|
California Institute of Technology Campus
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has one main campus, located in Pasadena, California (USA). All the academic buildings, research centers, student housing, and recreational facilities are all located within a single, connected area. Caltech manages Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). It is a separate facility located about 7 miles away from the main campus.
- 124 acres at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains
- 50+ research centers and institutes
- 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles
- 30 minutes from the beach
- 77-degree average high temperature
- 0 snow days
California Institute of Technology campus facilities:
- The campus also supports over 50 research centers and institutes, which focus on science and engineering areas.
- There are 11 residence houses and halls on campus for undergraduates, which also serve as social and academic communities.
- Dining halls such as Bechtel Dining Hall serve meals to students.
- Caltech maintains comprehensive facilities services that support its academic mission, including campus utilities, safety, sustainability programs, and parking/transport services.
- Caltech’s campus includes community spaces such as the Throop Memorial Garden (turtle pond), Olive Walk and San Pasqual Walk, the Athenaeum (The Ath) for social and cultural activities, cafes like the Red Door Cafe, and open outdoor areas for relaxation and gatherings.
Caltech Accommodation
At Caltech, the On-campus and Off-campus Undergraduate and postgraduate accommodations differ annually. Here is a breakdown tabulated below:
| Type (On/Off‑Campus) | Room / Description | Annual Cost (USD) | Annual Cost (INR) | Notes for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-Campus(Undergraduate Housing) | Standard residential houses | $12,105 | 11 L | Most undergraduates live on campus; housing cost is uniform across houses and include basic amenities. Good for first‑year students. |
| On‑CampusGraduate Caltech Housing (Catalina Apartments) | Furnished apartments | $13,320 | 12.2 L | Convenient and close to classes; includes furnished living space, but utilities may be extra. Budget accordingly. |
| Off‑Campus (Caltech-Owned) | Apartments near campus | $14,340 | 13.1 L | Good option if on‑campus housing is full; often near campus and quieter. Utilities are not always included, so plan a bit extra. |
| Off‑CampusIndependent Rentals (Private) | Private apartments or shared rentals in Pasadena | $33,600 | 30.8 L | Can be costlier but offer more space/privacy. Not managed by Caltech. Search listings (Zillow, Craigslist). |
Note: Platforms like Zillow, Craigslist, Apartments.com, or local real estate listings are commonly used in Pasadena to look for apartments or rooms.
Caltech Scholarships
Caltech does not offer separate merit-based scholarships. All institutional financial aid, including scholarships and grants, is need-based and determined as part of the overall financial aid package. Awards are based on each student’s demonstrated financial need and are not fixed in amount or structure.
| Type of Aid / Award | Eligibility | Official Description (Caltech) | Application / Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Need-Based Institutional Aid | All admitted students who apply for aid | includes grants and scholarships (gift aid that doesn’t need to be repaid). Amount varies with demonstrated financial need | Submit financial aid application forms by priority deadlines (March 16, 2026, for regular admission). |
| Grants & Scholarships (Gift Aid) |
Undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need | These are automatically considered when you apply for financial aid and are need-based. | Same as financial aid application deadlines (linked to admission application cycle). |
| Named/Endowed Scholarships (Internal) |
For students with significant financial need | There is no separate application process. Caltech automatically considers eligible students based on financial need and internal criteria. | No separate deadline; awarded within the overall aid package. |
Check out other US external scholarships for Indian students
Note: Indian students applying to Caltech as first-year undergraduate applicants are eligible for need-based financial aid, while international transfer students are not eligible for institutional scholarships.
Caltech Rankings 2025-2026
The table below highlights Caltech’s global rankings as published by major international ranking bodies, based on the latest available data.
| Ranking Body | Ranks |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #10 (Global) |
| Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings | #7 (Global) |
| US News & World Report – Best Global Universities | #23 (Global) |
| Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU / ShanghaiRanking) | #9 (Global, most recent public data, 2025 published) |
Also check: California Institute of Technology Rankings
FAQs
Ques: Does Caltech offer rolling admissions?
Ans: No, admissions at the California Institute of Technology are considered in the Fall term only.
Ques: What percentage do I need to have if I want to take admission in Caltech?
Ans: Caltech does not publish any official Indian % cut-off or conversion. However, applicants are advised to have 90-95%.
Ques: What is InitialView? Is it mandatory to submit?
Ans: InitialView is an optional video interview platform used by some universities and programs to get to know applicants beyond their written application. It typically includes short video questions about your background, motivation, and experiences. It is not mandatory at most universities unless explicitly stated in the application instructions. Submitting it can, however, enhance your application by showcasing your personality and communication skills.
Courses & Fees
Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way
Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.
Courses
56
Fee from
₹56,94,202.08
Exams
TOEFL · Duolingo
Showing 5 of 27 bachelors
Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 64.2 L/Yr
Native FeeUSD 68,574 /Yr
Estimated Total₹2813395
Fee trendTuition progression
Admission Guide
Admission Process
California Institute of Technology admits students for one intake per year, with the Fall term (September) being the only entry point for undergraduate and graduate programs. Caltech does not offer Spring or Summer admission intakes.
Undergraduate admissions are conducted through the following:
- Restrictive Early Action (REA) is a non-binding option for students who consider Caltech their first-choice institution and wish to receive an early admission decision.
- Regular Decision serves as Caltech’s primary admission route, with the majority of admitted students applying through this cycle.
UG admission deadlines (tentative): Restrictive Early Action: 1 November 2026 | Regular Decision: early January 2027
PG admission deadlines: Program-specific, via individual academic departments
Graduate admissions at Caltech are department-driven. The application deadlines typically fall between mid-November and mid-December. Indian applicants must meet academic requirements. Undergraduate applicants are expected to have completed Class 12 (CBSE/ ISC/ State Boards) with a strong foundation in mathematics and science. Graduate applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance. English proficiency requirements are course-specific, with accepted tests including TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test.
Applicants are required to submit official transcripts, essays or statements of purpose, letters of recommendation, and other program-specific materials as part of the evaluation process.
Table of Contents
- Caltech Admission Deadlines for Graduate Students
- Caltech Admission Deadlines for Undergraduate Students
- California Institute of Technology Popular Courses
- California Institute of Technology Admission Requirements for Indian Students
- California Institute of Technology Admission Process
5.1 Application Steps for UG Admission
- California Institute of Technology Admission Decisions
6.1 Undergraduate Admission Decision
6.2 Graduate Admission Decision
- FAQs
Caltech Admission Deadlines for Graduate Students
Application deadlines for graduate courses at the California Institute of Technology differ by department. Late applications may be considered if seats are available. Caltech admits students only once a year, with enrollment available for the fall term only. Caltech’s Graduate application deadlines generally remain consistent each year and usually fall between early and mid-December.
| Departments | Deadlines 2025-26 (passed) |
|---|---|
| Biology, Chemistry & Engineering | Computation & Neural Systems | December 1, 2025 |
| Mathematics | December 10, 2025 |
| Engineering & Applied Science | Computing | Physics, Math & Astronomy | Earth & Planetary Sciences | Social Sciences & Neuroscience | Environmental & Energy | December 15, 2025 |
Important Consideration: For the 2026-27 academic year, applicants planning to apply to Caltech’s graduate programs can expect application deadlines to fall between mid-November and mid-December.
Caltech Admission Deadlines for Undergraduate Students
Caltech typically sets its undergraduate application deadlines for Restrictive Early Action around November 1. The Regular Decision deadline comes around January 5 each year. The official dates for the 2026-27 cycle have not yet been released. Mentioned below are the most expected admission deadlines for the 2026-27 academic year.
| Action | Deadlines (2025-26) | Tentative Deadlines (2026-27) |
|---|---|---|
| Restrictive Early Action deadline | November 1, 2025 | November 1, 2026 |
| Restrictive Early Action decision notifications | Mid-December, 2025 | Mid-December, 2026 |
| Regular Decision deadline | January 5, 2026 | January 3-5, 2027 |
| Regular Decision notifications | Mid-March, 2026 | Mid-March, 2027 |
| Restrictive Early Action and Regular Decision admit reply deadline | May 1, 2026 | May 1, 2027 |
Note: Students who have already enrolled at another university must apply to Caltech as transfer applicants.
Conditions for the Candidates who take admission via Restrictive Early Action:
- Students applying to Caltech under Restrictive Early Action cannot apply for Early Action or Early Decision at any other institution outside the USA.
- An institution's non-binding rolling admissions process or any military academy.
- Students may not apply early to another institution for scholarships or special academic programs with early deadlines.
- Applicants deferred under Caltech’s Restrictive Early Action may apply to another institution’s Early Decision II program; if admitted, they must withdraw their application from Caltech.
California Institute of Technology Popular Courses
While the core admission requirements remain consistent across programs, certain course-specific expectations may vary by department. The additional information outlined below reflects general trends and applicant profiles and is intended as a guidance reference, as Caltech does not publish detailed program-wise cut-offs or applicant benchmarks on its official website.
| Programs | Additional Admission Requirements for Indian Students |
|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | Strong programming/math background is highly valued. Research publications or projects can strengthen the profile significantly. |
| MS Electrical Engineering | Encouraged (but not required) to submit GRE scores if available. |
| MS Mathematics | GRE is optional/recommended. Very selective; expect strong mathematical thinking via essays or prior work. |
| MS Civil Engineering | No minimum GPA is mentioned. Strong class standing/research experience valued. |
| MS Mechanical Engineering | No explicit GRE requirement. Emphasis on research experience/letters from engineering mentors. |
| MS Astrophysics | Strong physics background required. Incoming students should have knowledge of mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics, and an advanced maths level is required. |
| Bachelor's in Information and Data Sciences | High CBSE/ISC Class XII PCM scores (95%+), JEE-level prep demonstrates capability. |
| BS Mechanical Engineering | Research/internships in engineering can boost chances. Core curriculum (heavy math/physics) readiness key. |
| BS Chemical Engineering | Emphasis on chemistry foundation + math/physics. |
| BS Computer Science | Research/coding hackathons can strengthen the profile. |
To know about Caltech’s Fees & popular courses 2026, Click Here.
California Institute of Technology Admission Requirements for Indian Students
Caltech admits students for the fall term. The institute considers the most recent grades on their transcripts during the review process.
| Parameter | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Application Portal | Common App | ApplyWeb |
| Application Fees | $75 (Non-refundable) | ₹6.892 INR | $100 | ₹9.189 INR |
| Application Requirements (course-specific) | Official Transcripts | Essays | 2 Letters of recommendation | Portfolio (STEM/Non-STEM) | Transcripts | Letters of Recommendation: 3 required | Statement of Purpose | CV | Essays |
| Academic Requirements | Completion of Indian Class 12 (CBSE/ISC/State Boards) with strong math & science preparation. | Completed a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution. |
| Standardised Tests (course-specific) |
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)ACT (American College Testing) | GRE is required for some programs |
| English Proficiency (course-specific) |
TOEFL iBT: 100 | IELTS: 7.0 | Duolingo: 130 | |
California Institute of Technology Admission Process
California Institute of Technology does not follow a single, uniform admissions process for all applicants. The application procedure varies depending on the level of study. Undergraduate applicants apply through the centralised Caltech admissions portal, whereas graduate and doctoral applicants must submit their applications through the respective academic department or program portal.
Application Steps for UG Admission:
- Create a Common App account and select First-Year Student
- Fill in your profile details (personal, family, education)
- Add colleges to “My Colleges” (up to 20)
- Check the college’s application requirements & deadlines
- Enter academic history and activities
- Write the Common App personal essay
- Invite teachers and counsellors for recommendations
- Submit test scores (if required/optional)
- Review the entire application carefully
- Pay the application fee
- Submit your application before the deadline
Students can check out the Common App application guide mentioned above.
California Institute of Technology Acceptance Rate
Caltech’s admissions are extremely selective, accepting only 2.57% of applicants. During the 2024-2025 cycle, 13,856 students applied, and just 356 were admitted. The table below outlines Caltech’s recent admissions data, based on figures reported in the Common Data Set (CDS).
| Year | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 2.57% |
| 2023-2024 | 3.1% |
| 2022-2023 | 2.7% |
| 2021-2022 | 3.9% |
Check out: California Institute of Technology Rankings 2026
California Institute of Technology Admission Decisions
At the California Institute of Technology, the admission decision process differs for undergraduate and graduate programs.
Undergraduate Admission Decision:
For Undergraduates (Restrictive Early Action), Caltech announces 3 decisions:
- Admit: a student is admitted and has until May 1, 2026, to accept or decline their offer.
- Defer: a student is deferred to Regular Decision.
- Deny: a student is denied admission to Caltech. All decisions are final, and a student cannot appeal the decision, nor can they apply to Caltech in the Regular Decision round of that cycle. Students are welcome to apply for admission again the following fall.
Note: A student deferred from Restrictive Early Action (REA) and considered under Regular Decision will receive either an admission or a denial in mid-March. Deferred REA applicants are not placed on a waitlist.
For Undergraduates Regular Decision, Caltech announces 3 decisions:
- Admit: a student is admitted and has until May 1, 2026, to accept or decline their offer.
- Waitlist: a student is waitlisted to Caltech and has until mid-April to opt in for reconsideration. Students are strongly encouraged to send in supplemental materials to support their application.
- Deny: A student whose application is denied by Caltech will receive a final decision that cannot be appealed. However, you may choose to reapply for the following fall term.
Note: If seats remain available after May 1, Caltech will review applications from students who opted in for reconsideration. Students will be notified individually. All waitlist activity concludes by mid-July.
Graduate Admission Decision:
Graduate admission decisions at Caltech are made by individual departments based on their own review timelines. Applicants may receive a decision by April 1. Official offers are released through Caltech’s online admissions portal. Students can accept or decline the offer by April 15.
The California Institute of Technology maintains a highly selective and holistic admissions process, with a single annual intake and program-specific requirements applicable to both undergraduate and graduate levels. The admission deadline for the 2025-26 academic years have been passed. Students are encouraged to review the tentative deadlines carefully in this article. Understand department-level expectations and prepare strong academic and supporting documents well in advance.
Also check: California Institute of Technology Students’ reviews
FAQs
Ques: Does Caltech accept the PTE exam for graduate admissions?
Ans: Yes, Caltech accepts the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) for graduate admissions.
Ques: What GRE score is required for admission at Caltech?
Ans: Caltech does not publish or enforce any GRE score cutoff on its official website. However, some programs still require a GRE score.
Ques: Does an Indian student need to give the SAT and ACT for admission at Caltech?
Ans: Yes, SAT or ACT scores are compulsory (required) for international undergraduate (first-year) applicants.
Placements & Recruiters
California Institute of Technology Placement Details
California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California, United States placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.
Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Pasadena, California, United States.
Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric
Average Package
N/A
Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.
Placement information is currently limited.
More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.
Rankings over the years
Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.
2022
Highlights
2022
2022
- Best overall country rank: #1
- Overall: #1 in country
- Top source: THE
- 19 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Mathematics
- 5 ranking records in 2022
2023
Highlights
2023
2023
- Best overall country rank: #4
- Overall: #4 in country
- Top source: QS
- 20 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Arts
- 3 ranking records in 2023
2024
Highlights
2024
2024
- Best overall country rank: #5
- Engineering: #4 in country
- Top source: QS
- 19 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
- 3 ranking records in 2024
2025
Highlights
2025
2025
- Best overall country rank: #4
- Chemistry: #1 in country
- Top source: US News
- 18 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
- 4 ranking records in 2025
2026
Highlights
2026
2026
- Best overall country rank: #4
- Overall: #4 in country
- Top source: QS
- 5 ranked streams
- Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
- 3 ranking records in 2026
Contact Information
Student Reviews & Ratings
Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary
Overall score
7.9/10
Top Rated
Based on 3 ratings
Rating Breakdown
Visual summary of rating distribution and categories
Live Summary
Academic
10.0/10
Faculty
9.7/10
Infrastructure
9.3/10
Accommodation
9.3/10
Placement
9.3/10