Master of Science in Astrophysics 

at Caltech, Pasadena

Yes, the Caltech acceptance rate stands at 3%. while the Massachusetts Institute of Technology acceptance rate is 4.52% giving students a marginally better chance of admission.

Interested applicants must stand out among their peers both academically and non-academically, across every level of studies and submit a standout application to have the best possible chance of admission.

Since, Caltech is a very popular and tempting choice for Engineering enthusiasts worldwide, it can be considered a little expensive. Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences (Caltech) upholds its reputation as the world's best Engineering schools. The Caltech Engineering tuition fee 2025-26 is USD 63,402 (INR 54.4 L) a year, which international students are required to pay. Please note that the mentioned fee is only the first-year tuition fee without including living expenses and other fee components. The total cost of a degree for the first year, as an international student, can be USD 90,822 on-campus and USD 94,380 off-campus. 

On the other hand, the PG tuition fee is USD 65,706 (INR 56.4 L) for the first year at Caltech USA.

Caltech has 12 minors and 28 majors in all six academic divisions. Applied Physics, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Computation and Neural Systems, Control and Dynamical Systems, Environmental Science and Engineering, Geobiology and Astrobiology, Geochemistry, and Planetary Astronomy are among the other multidisciplinary programs that Caltech provides.

According to the Quacquarelli Symonds  World rankings, the Engineering and Technology domain is ranked #13 among the best in the world which is a downgrade from #9 in 2024. 

On the other hand, Engineering courses at Caltech are ranked at #5 by the US World and News ranking 2025 body among the best Engineering programs worldwide.  According to the rankings released by Shiskha Popularity, this school ranks at #3 in Aerospace Engineering, at #9 in BE/BTech, and #7 in Engineering.

The California Institute of Technology fees range between INR 50L and INR 53L for UG, INR 43L, and INR 53L for PG. Students can check the estimated tuition cost of popular programs below:

The following exemptions apply for Caltech admissions and non submission of ELP scores:

• English is the primary language of instruction in the secondary school
• Applicants with a degree from a college or university whose primary instruction is in English

California Institute of Technology cost vary by housing and living type for international students. Applicants can select either on-campus or off-campus housing to study at the university. The table bleow includes the Catalina Apartments monthly rates:

Mentioned below is the Off-Campus housing monthly rates:

The Caltech Engineering graduates are considered highly valuable among tech giants like SpaceX, Meta, Google, NASA/JPL, top research institution. According to the Caltech Placement report 2023, the overall placement rate (employment plus graduation school) of 87% with Mean engineering starting salary of USD 76,249 (INR 65.5). 

As per U.S. News ranking, Stanford ranks better than Caltech. Both these universities are the top-ranked universities globally and in the U.S.