Master of Science in Civil Engineering 

at Caltech, Pasadena

To get admission to any of these institutions is not at all easy. This is because the acceptance rate at MIT and Caltech remains very low. For the class of 2028, MIT acceptance rate is 4.55% and on the other hand, for Caltech, it is 2.57%.  So Caltech is harder to get into than MIT. 

If you are an Indian student wishing to apply for both of them, please know that the application needs to be -   

• Unique
• Bright
• Full of extracurriculars,
• Have a great academic background 
• Really strong reason to pursue courses 

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.

International students can apply to the university of their choice.

The Caltech courses are offered undergraduate and graduate levels across many domains and subjects. With just a 2.57% acceptance rate, international students are required to put their best foot forward by meeting the criteria below: 

• Bachelor's degree equivalent to a US 4-year degree, with a strong academic record (typically 3.5 GPA/85–90%+)

• Degree must be in a relevant field aligned with your intended graduate study

• GRE General Test is often required; competitive scores above 310-320. GRE Subject Test may be required in some programs

• English proficiency: TOEFL 100+, IELTS 7.0–7.5, Duolingo 120–130

• Transcripts,  statement of purpose, 2–3 recommendation letters, resume or CV, portfolio (if required), and sometimes research publications or conference presentations

• Certain programs (e.g., in arts or design) may require auditions or creative portfolios

• Professional and research experience are advantageous

To get admission at Caltech, international students are required to submit the SAT or ACT scores for the fall 2026 entry. It was optional earlier for most years. However, if the finances are an issue, this can be communicated to the Caltech Office of Admissions for a waiver. Look at the minimum scores required in these entrance exams - 

• SAT: 1510+
• ACT: 35+

The Tution fees for international students at the California Institute of Technology can vary depending on the main factors such as course, level of study  (UG and PG) . However, International students considering this university could be a little higher than compared to US citizens. Check the table listed below for California Institute of Technology annual tuition fees for UG and PG programs- 

The university does not conduct an entrance exam of its own; however, it does consider valid scores in the SAT or ACT for admission to undergraduate courses. 

Students seeking admission to STEM courses are required to have completed their secondary school studies in the relevant fields. 

Source: California Institute of Technology Official Website

If we consider the below comparison table, both the University of Washington and Caltech are equally reputed universities in the USA with top-rankings. However, students must also consider other factors including tuition cost, research opportunities, popular academic program, and environment rather than just rankings while choosing a university for admission. Students who are looking for an easy selection or having average academic performance may look for UW Seattle over Caltech. Students can check the table below for the comparison between the two:

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. 

California Institute of Technology is one of the most esteemed universities to continue higher education in the USA. Caltech is ranked at #9 in world and #7 in USA, as per Shiksha Popularity Rankings. Top ranking bodies worldwide ranks Caltech that are listed below-

CalTech is not only among the top 10 colleges & universities in the US, the institute also forms part of the best higher educational institutions on a global scale.

As per QS World University Rankings 2026 given by a major university ranking publication, CalTech ranks #10 among all colleges & universities, worldwide.

As far as national level rankings go, the institute secures a rank #7 as part of the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings.