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California Institute of Technology (Caltech) : Fees, Rankings, Courses, Reviews
- Private Institute
124 acre campus- Estd. 1891
Last updated on 28 Nov '25CaltechWhat's new?
Admissions for the upcoming academic session are now open at Caltech. Mentioned below are the latest deadlines:
- Regular Decision deadline is now over.
About California Institute of Technology
Established in 1891 California Institute of Technology popularly known as Caltech is top private research university located in Pasadena USA. Cal Tech University is famous Science and Engineering institute and has one of lowest student to faculty ratios of 3:1. Cal Tech is among top 10 universities in world and is one of most popular universities in world. As per the enrollment stats of Cal Tech, there are a total 987 UG and 1410 PG students. The university has one of the lowest student to faculty ratios of just 3:1 providing world class education to its students.
Some of the things to know about the California Institute of Technology are -
|
California Institute of Technology |
Validation |
|---|---|
|
Established |
1891 |
|
Location |
1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, United States |
|
Founder |
Amos Throop |
|
Acceptance rate |
3% |
|
Shiksha Popularity Ranking |
#6 in the US |
|
Popular Majors |
Data Science, Computer Science, Business Administration, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering |
|
Total Students |
2,400 (approx) |
|
GPA Requirement |
Average 3.9 |
|
Academic Divisions |
|
|
Average Fees |
|
|
Placement Rate |
87% |
|
Average Salary |
INR 94.2 L-INR 1.02 Cr |
|
Top Employers |
Meta, Google, NASA, Apple & Amazon |
| Notable Alumni | Richard Feynman, Linus Pauling, Donald Knuth, Bob Lazar & Howard Hughes |
History
Caltech was founded by Pasadena based philanthropist Amos Throop who rented the Wooster Block building in Pasadena with aim of starting Throop University - old name. The institute opened its doors in Nov 1891 welcoming about 31 students as part of its first cohort. A six member faculty team came together to educate students.
Geoge Ellery Hale an astronomer by profession became a member of board of trustees at the institute in 1907 and played major role in moulding the institute into a first class institution for engineering and scientific research.
Hale was later joined by Robert A Millikan & Arthur A Noyes with all three men playing a major role in shaping it to become one of the best universities in the USA and globally.
About Pasadena
Pasadena City was incorporated in 1896 which means "Crown of the Valley" or "Key of the Valley" in local language. The city is known for its infrastructure, suitable climate, and urban environment. The city has population of around 1.34 L and the average household income is USD 103,778 or INR 88.8 L.
To know more about STEM universities in the USA, check out the Shiksha Exclusive video below:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
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.
Yes, Caltech provides all-round support to all its international students, as part of its International Student Program (ISP).
The Caltech ISP program provides guidance on visa acquirement, employment authorization, travel guidance, visa delay assistance, community building & support with taxes in the US among other things.
International students can contact university officials via its official website for the same.
Caltech is not an Ivy League school but it tends to enjoy a similar reputation and social status. In regards to Math / Science / Engineering education, Caltech is one of the best institutes to attend. In terms of the quality of the student body and the raw IQ, then also Caltech is a top institute for studies. According to unofficial sources, Caltech trumps every other college in the nation including MIT and Harvard. The sources also claim that students must be smart and clever enough in Math / Science to survive at Caltech.
GRE is not highly required for caltech but however it is in certain courses. The University has termed GRE into three segements that is R for required, O for optional and SR for strongry required. Students must read all the requirements of the courses to avoid the last minutre confusion and hassle.
Want to score good in GRE? Check out GRE preparation tips
Note: To check out which subjects require GRE, applicants must check the admission highlights and click on the GRE pdf caltech .
California Institute of Technology Ranking 2025
California Institute of Technology is frequently recognized for its academics and global reputation. In 2025, the institution achieved a notable ranking of #8 as per the Shiksha Popularity Ranking assessments.
Particularly, its courses such as B.E. / B.Tech and MS have been ranked nationally at rank #9 and #5, respectively. These rankings underscore the university's commitment to providing high-quality education in this domain.
Apart fro the above rankings, the university is also ranked by QS (#10) and QS (#15) in category World University Ranking, respectively.
#9
#7
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
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 World University Rankings 2025 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 #6 as part of the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings.
The institute is home to some of the best research facilities in the country. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) being the most prominent one of the lot, which it manages for NASA.
The laboratory is used to send probes to outer-space, with the aim to explore planets of the solar system & monitor any notable changes on Earth.
Further, it also houses the Seismological Laboratory & an array of astronomical observatories such as the Palomar & W.M. Keck Observatory.
Caltech Courses
The California Institute of Technology degrees includes 28 options (majors) to choose from at the undergraduate level. On the other hand, at the graduate level, 30-course options are available. The average duration for a UG course is 3-4 years with the average fee for international students being in the range: INR 54-56 L, while the duration for a PG course is 1-2 years with the average cost of studies being in the range: INR 45-56 L.
Caltech Undergraduate Courses
13.7K+ students got admitted through us.
We can fast-track your application in a week.
Guided 4.4K students to USA universities.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
The California Institute of Technology is globally recognised university, with international students from across the globe, this university is a popular destination among international community. The university has very low student to faculty ratio of just 3:1, which is very less compared to national (US) average of 18:1. The Caltech University is one of the top university ranking 15, as per QS World Universities Ranking.
California Institute of Technology Admission 2026
Indian applicants can apply for California Institute of Technology admissions on the university's Official Application Portal. Regarding admission rarities, the university offers admission to students based on the eligibility criteria for the course of choice. To gain admission, all overseas applicants must fulfil the California Institute of Technology eligibility criteria, which include academic transcripts, GPA requirements, results on standardized and aptitude tests, SOP, LOR and CV. Additionally, students must provide their results from entrance/English language proficiency tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, GRE, Duolingo and SAT.
- Application fees :USD 75 - 100
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
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
Students seeking admissions to UG & PG degree courses that require more than 18 hours of study per week, need a F1 student visa for the same.
To apply for a F1 student visa, follow the steps mentioned below:
- Ask for an I-20 form from your institute in the US
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before you start your application
- Apply for a DS-160 student visa form
- Print the application & bring the same to your interview
- Use NEFT or authorised Citi/AXIS bank cards
- Book a slot for biometric & immigration interview appointment
- Get your fingerprints scanned & a photo clicked as part of the biometric process
- As part of the Immigration interview, answer all questions honestly & confidently
- Wait for an official response
- After some time, you'll be granted a F-1 visa to the USA
The Caltech is one of the toughest universities to get selected into. To get selected into Caltech as an international student, you need to be best. The Caltech does not mention any specific admission requirements for MS course, but for graduates courses, the admission requirements are given below:
- Bachelor’s Degree equivalent to US bachelor's degree.
- Letters of recommendation
- Letter of intent
- Documents to support financial capability
- English language requirements
- Other course-specific requirements.
The California Institute of Technology application fee is USD 75 (INR 6.4 K) for all international applicants seeking admissions to the institute. This fee is non-refundable & is to be submitted as part of the Caltech application process.
Only students with a valid application fee waiver are exempt from the submission of an application fee at Caltech.
Conversion rate: 1 USD = INR 85.57
CaltechCaltech Scholarships 2025
The California Institute of Technology Scholarships are available to international students worth 100% coverage of all tuition costs plus some additional benefits. The average Caltech financial aid for the Class of 2024 stood at almost USD 73,000 (INR 62.5 L), with around 75% of all Class of 2024 graduates, graduating debt-free.
Caltech Scholarship Application Deadline
The application deadlines mentioned below must be strictly adhered to by all international students to be eligible for Caltech University scholarships:
| Applicant Type | Tentative Deadlines |
|---|---|
| New Applicant, Restrictive Early Action (Priority) | Mid-Dec, 2025 |
| New Applicant, Regular Decision (Priority) | Mid-Mar, 2026 |
| Fall Term (Final) | Mid-Nov, 2025 |
| Winter Term (Final) | Feb-end, 2026 |
| Spring Term (Final) | Mid-May, 2026 |
Note: Caltech Scholarship application deadlines are closed for now, mentioned above are some tenative deadlines, based on deadlines in recent years, & therefore are subject to change.
Caltech Scholarship Application Process
International students seeking financial aid at Caltech, must abide by the below set of instructions to be eligible for scholarships at Caltech:
- If applying for financial aid, must mention it as part of the admission application
- Must apply as a first-year incoming student, no financial aid is provided to students at a later point in time of studies
- Register for the CSS Profile at Caltech, using the CSS code: 4034
- Submit the Parent's Financial Statement form, with average annual income being less than USD 100,000 (INR 85.6 L)
- Submit the latest National Tax Return document of your country
- Submit the Scholarship Data Form & Addendum
- Must abide by all scholarship deadlines
All forms mentioned above can be accessed from Caltech's official website.
18 monthsCaltech Placements
Caltech Placement rate stands at 87% for the Class of 2023, per data curated from official sources. Graduates were able to land jobs at an annual median & mode salary range of USD 110,000-USD 120,000 (INR 94.25 L-INR 1.02 Cr).
Placements at a Glance
The table below lists some key facts associated with Caltech University Placements:
| Caltech Placements | Validation |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Graduates employed full-time or pursuing higher education | 87% |
| Percentage of Graduates employed full-time | 44% |
| Percentage of Graduates pursuing higher education | 43% |
| Graduates pursuing an internship, fellowship, or other options | 7% |
| Graduates taking time off or figuring it out | 5% |
| Average Salary Range | USD 110,000-USD 120,000 (INR 94.2 L-INR 1.02 Cr) per annum |
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
Caltech graduates received job offers that went as high as USD 159,000 (INR 1.36 Cr) per year. Given below is a percentile-wise breakdown of salaries earned by Caltech Class of 2023 graduates:
| Percentile | Base Salary Range (in USD) | Base Salary Range (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 90th percentile | USD 150,000-USD 159,000 | INR 1.28 Cr-INR 1.36 Cr |
| 75th percentile | USD 140,000-USD 149,000 | INR 1.19 CR-INR 1.27 Cr |
| 50th percentile | USD 110,000-USD 119,000 | INR 94.25 L-INR 1.01 Cr |
| 25th percentile | USD 90,000-USD 99,000 | INR 77.1 L-INR 84.8 L |
| 10th percentile | USD 80,000-USD 89,000 | INR 68.54 L-INR 76.26 L |
Top Employers
Caltech graduates receive job offers from the likes of Google, SpaceX, Meta, NASA & Apple among some other top companies in the United States & abroad.
The table below gives a detailed breakdown of Caltech graduate employment by company:
| Organization | Number of Graduates Employed |
|---|---|
| Northrop Grumman | 556 |
| 399 | |
| Boeing | 279 |
| NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) | 251 |
| Apple | 232 |
| Meta | 157 |
| Stanford University | 151 |
| Microsoft | 150 |
To know more about placements at Caltech, check out: Caltech University Placement Report
Commonly asked questions On Placements
The graduates at the Caltech are employed at the best industies in their field. The Califiornia Institute of Technology does not releases data about the students placements and average salary. The average salary as per various unofficial sources is given below:
Jobs | Sample Salary |
|---|---|
Executive Management & Change | USD 210,000 or INR 1.74 Cr PA |
Financial Services | USD 135,000 or INR 1.12 Cr PA |
R&D, Pharmaceuticals & Biotech | USD 128,000 or INR 1.06 Cr PA |
Engineering | USD 125,000 or INR 1.03 Cr PA |
IT & Software Development | USD 120,000 or INR 99.67 LPA |
Caltech Fees
Caltech fees for UG and PG students are around USD 65K (INR 56 L) for 2025-26. Figure mentioned above is estimated and varies with different courses.
Students can check a detailed breakdown of the estimated Caltech cost of attendance for international students below:
| Caltech Fee Component | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tuition | USD 65,622 (INR 56.07 L) |
| Fees | USD 2,586 (INR 2.20 L) |
| Housing | USD 12,105 (INR 10.34 L) |
| Food/Meals | USD 8,886 (INR 7.6 L) |
| Books/Courses | USD 1,428 (INR 1.22 L) |
| Personal Expenses | USD 3,285 (INR 2.80 L) |
| Total Estimated Cost of Attendance | USD 93,912 (INR 80.25 L) |
1 USD = INR 85.45
For more information about the costs of studying & living at Caltech, get your free PDF: Caltech Cost of Attendance
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(18 courses) | INR 47 L - 59 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, IELTS, GRE |
B.E. / B.Tech(7 courses) | INR 56 L - 58 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 130 & Above, SAT, IELTS: 7 & Above |
B.Sc.(13 courses) | INR 56 L - 58 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 130 & Above, SAT, IELTS: 7 & Above |
BBA(2 courses) | INR 56 L - 58 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 130 & Above, SAT, IELTS: 7 & Above |
B.A.(5 courses) | INR 56 L - 58 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 130 & Above, SAT, IELTS: 7 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
The California Institute of Technology is one of the top ranked university in the world. The univeristy is ranked among the top 10 universities. Being a top ranked university, caltech is one of the difficult universities to get selected into. Although there is no explicit data of Caltech acceptance rate for international students, the gerenal caltech acceptance rate is 3%. To get selected into the university, the students are required to be the best. Having a great academic background, work experience, excellent test scores and timely application are some of the ways to increase chances of getting selected into the Caltech as an international students.
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. The UG programme Academic tuition fee for international students is around ( INR 54.1 L - 56.1 L ) per annum, depending on the course. It’s (INR 44.9 L - 56.1 L) for PG courses.
Below are the requirements for international students at the California Institute of Technology:
Transcripts of your high school: Transcripts include your information and performance in high school, and Caltech University wants its applicants to have the following:
A four-year maths, including one year of Calculus
1 year of chemistry
1 year of physics(preferably Calcus related but not required)
SOP: An SOP is essential for the application process for Caltech It helps the applicant to convey their talents, Academic excellence accomplishments and personal background of applicants.
Portfolio: This depends on the course the applicant chooses, as this is not present in every program. However, having a creative and unique portfolio will help you get into Caltech.
Click here to: Make your portfolio look better)
English requirements: The following table explains the minimum score for each English exam the university is excepting:
English Language proficiency | Minimum score |
|---|---|
IELTS | 7.5 and above in all bands |
Dulingo | 120 and above (125 recommended) |
TOFEL | 100 and above |
PG Course Requirements:
LOR: Some programs ask for a LOR, and with particular exceptions, who should write those letters.
Statement of purpose( an SOP): An SOP is essential for the application process for Caltech. It helps the applicant to convey their talents, Academic excellence accomplishments and personal background of applicants.
Transcripts and degrees: the applicant must provide the university with transcripts of their academics with degree certificates. Similarly, applying for PhD or doctoral program may require a master’s degree and transcripts from all graduate institutions of the applicant.
English Language Proficiency exams: The following table explains the minimum score of each English exam the university is expecting:
English Language proficiency | Minimum score |
|---|---|
IELTS | 7.5 and above in all bands |
Dulingo | 120 and above |
TOFEL | 100 and above |
Entrance exam: Graduate school entrance exams are most common, but however, the programs might require different exams from the applicants depending on the course chosen by the individual.
Resume/CV: The University also might ask you for a CV or a resume depending on the course you choose for professional experience.
The acceptance rate of the California Institute of Technology is 3%. The university Admission process involves a thorough evaluation process, which means only 4 students are selected out of 100 applicants. This indicates Caltech is a very selective institution. Caltech also Considers academic excellence, essays, Letter of recommendation, SOP, extracurricular activities and many more. Applicants are suggested to approach the admission process with utter dedication, showcasing their strengths and talents to get into Caltech.
CaltechStudent profile
Others
40%
Asian
34%
Hispanic
22%
Black
3%
Out of state
57%
In state
28%
Foreign
13%
24 and under
99%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
UG Enrollment
PG Enrollment
Caltech Notable Alumni
The living alumni of the California Institute of Technology cross over 24,000 in the U.S. and around the world. Check the names included in Caltech University notable alumni from the table given below:
|
Name |
Profession |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Howard Hughes |
A prominent figure in the Aviation industry and a Film Producer |
|
| Richard Feynman | American theoretical physicist, known for his work in the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, Nobel Prize Winner in Physics in 1965 |  |
| Linus Pauling | American chemist, biochemist, chemical engineer, peace activist, author, and educator. Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry in 1954 and Nobel Peace Prize Winner in 1962. |  |
| Thomas Hunt Morgan | American evolutionary biologist, and geneticist. Won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1933 |  |
| Frank Oppenheimer | American particle physicist. |  |
| John McCarthy | American computer scientist and cognitive scientist |  |
| Robert A. Millikan | American experimental physicist who won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1923 |  |
Caltech vs MIT vs Stanford University: Which is Better?
CalTech, MIT and Stanford are all well known for their quality of education. But securing admissions at either is not an easy job. Each has acceptance rate below 5% and only those students who have consistently stood out at all levels of their studies have a realistic chance of getting in.
When it comes to acceptance rate, Stanford is marginally the easier institution to secure admission at; however, in terms of affordability, Caltech stands out.
When it comes to the average annual package Stanford students stand out.
For a detailed comparison between them, check out the table below:
|
Criteria |
California Institute of Technology |
MIT |
Stanford University |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Location |
1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, United States |
77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States |
450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, United States |
|
Acceptance Rate |
3% |
2% |
3.6-3.9% |
|
Popular Programs |
Computer Science, Physics, Business
|
Computer Science, Engineering, MBA |
Business Management, Computer Science
|
|
Average Fees |
UG: INR 51 L-INR 53 L PG: 44 L-INR 53 L |
UG: INR 52 L-INR 54 L PG: 36 L-INR 79 L |
UG: INR 49 L-INR 53 L PG: 35 L-INR 90 L |
|
Average Salary |
INR 1.4 Cr per annum |
INR 1.37 Cr per annum |
INR 1.52 Cr per annum |
|
Shiksha Popularity Ranking |
#6 in the USA |
#1 in the USA |
#3 in the USA |
|
Shksha Global Ranking |
#9 |
#1 |
#4 |
Compare Caltech with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 46.56 L - 58.88 L | #7 THE, 2026 | |
| INR 37.9 L - 1.16 Cr | #1 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 30.88 L - 1.32 Cr | #3 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 46.54 L - 55.99 L | #1 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 39.93 L - 79.23 L | #4 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 18.85 L - 80.25 L | #3 US News, 2026 |
CompareCaltechStudying in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Commonly asked questions On Study in Country
On average, a student spends approximately INR 93,000 in a month to fulfil living costs in USA. The cost of living in USA is 224.3% higher than the cost of living in India also the rent in USA is 769.9% higher than in India. Thus, it is natural that the cost of living in the USA is very high for an Indian student. The table given below specifies the estimated student cost of living in the USA that is based on different expenses.
Expenses in USA | Average Yearly / Monthly cost |
|---|---|
Books and study material | USD 900 - 2,000 per year |
Travel | USD 300 - 700 per year |
Accommodation | USD 9,800 - 11,100 per year |
Electricity | USD 100 - 150 per month |
Food | On campus: USD 250 per month Off-campus: USD 400 - 600 per month |
Phone subscription | USD 50 per month |
Home Internet | USD 45 - 50 per month |
Health Insurance | USD 700 - 1,100 per year |
Clothes | USD 500 per year |
Water, Trash and Sewer | USD 50 - USD 75 per month |
Note: These amounts will differ from state to state within the US. On average, the cost of Indian food in the USA is around USD 350 - USD 400 for one person.
Caltech Campus Life
Spread around an 124 acres area of land, approximately 17kms northeast of Downtown Los Angeles, the Caltech campus, is one of the best campuses in the United States, home to a number of world class research facilities, hundreds of student clubs & international student associations, safe & secure housing, & a diverse student population of around 2,460 students.
Given below is a description of some popular resources & services, that makes Caltech stand out from the rest:
International Student Support Services
The Caltech ISP program offers comprehensive support to international students with a admission offer in hand. This includes a range of support services including: relocation guidance, orientation program, travel, immigration & visa support, employment routes & how to navigate taxes in the US among other services.
Housing
Caltech offers guaranteed housing for all undergraduate students, including internationals, & applies to the first year of study. Housing options include: individual rooms for single students, 4-12 bedroom suites & furnished apartments as part of its housing facilities across campus which includes: Bechtel Residence, Marks/Braun House, Avery House, North House & the South House.
For Graduate students, housing is not guaranteed, but offered via a lottery.
Dining
When it comes to Caltech Dining, there are number of on campus restaurants & cafes available that serve students throughout the day. For a small monthly fee, students can acquire membership of the Athenaeum (faculty club), that offers a number of formal options for breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Avery Ramen, Broad Cafe, Red Door Marketplace & the Lee F. Browne Dining Hall are some other facilities available to students.
Commonly asked questions On Others
Yes, Caltech is home to a number of Indian cultural clubs & societies, with the most prominent one being the Organization of the Associated Students of the Indian Subcontinent (OASIS).
The club aims to bring together all students from the Indian subcontinent, engaging them in different cultural activities including the annual culture show, potluck dinners, movie screenings & celebrate all cultural festivals such as Diwali & Holi together.
TEDx, Science Tuesdays at KML, Founding & Investing in the Technologies of Tommorrow, Stargazing & Americana Music Nights are among the popular student events at Caltech.
These events aim to bring together students to understand the complexities of today & tommorrow & develop the skills necessary to deal with them, with experts of different fields guiding them over this journey.
Also, a great opportunity to grow your network & build meaningful connections.
Caltech Research
Caltech has made its reputation of being one of the best research universities in the world, with a keen emphasis on STEM, millions of dollars of federal funding & close ties with a number of top research organizations in the US such as NASA.
Human Health, Space Exploration, Robotics, Autonomous Systems, AI & Quantum Computing, Energy & Earthquakes & Seismology are some popular areas of research at Caltech.
Caltech Research at a Glance
The table below highlights some key facts associated with research at Caltech:
| Caltech University Research | Validation |
|---|---|
| Total NASA Facilities on Campus | 5 |
| Total Nobel Prize Winning Researchers | 45 |
| Percentage of Students participating in Research | 90% |
| Total Research Centers & Institutes | 50+ |
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Caltech in partnership with NASA operates the Jet Propulsion Lab, which is the leading center of space exploration in the United States, where scientists & engineers from both organizations work together to understand the workings of the universe & life.
The JPL is notably famous for sending 5 rovers to Mars, with the very first mission being the Mariner 4 in 1965.
Large Hadron Collider
The Large Hadron Collider lying in a 27 km wide tunnel, with a depth of almost 574 feet, along the France-Switzerland border near Geneva, is a facility used by Caltech scientists to explore signs of dark matter, existence of other dimensions, & the Higgs particle among other areas of research.
Laser-Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO)
Operated in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a pair of facilities that uses four kilometer long laser interferometers to detect gravitational radiation.
LIGO scientists were famously awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2017, for making the first ever direct observation of the ripples in fabric of space & time caused by gravitational waves, also predicted by Albert Einstein almost 100 years ago.
Caltech FAQs
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
Caltech students can choose to opt into the house system, where they are placed into one of the eight UG houses. Each house has a family-style dinner every weeknight during which they sit together in their dining hall and are served by paid student waiters. Each UG house has its unique customs. For example, Dabney House stages a liquid nitrogen pumpkin drop from the top of the Caltech Hall every Halloween. Furthermore, these houses host one ‘inter-house’ party during the year. These are elaborate events, where members of the house plan food, music, décor, and other parts of the party for the UG student body.
Caltech has 11 residence halls on campus with a variety of living arrangements: singles, doubles, triples, and suite-style living. There are 8 traditional UG houses as well as 3 unaffiliated (non-house) halls. There are common areas for students to socialize, mingle, dine, and work on problem sets together. Furthermore, the university’s residence halls also provide a strong support system. Each has peer advisors, health advocates, a resident associate, etc. Also, there is always someone to talk to when students need any kind of assistance or just want to chat. Furthermore, the housing system also offers a lot of opportunities to join student leadership.
CalTech is one of the top universities in the world. Known for its state of the art research facilities and engineering program, Caltech ranks among the top 10 universities in the world as per THE 2024 Rankings. Some of the notable faculty members of the university are:
| Faculty Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Thomas F Rosenbaum, Ph.D. | President; Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair; Professor of Physics |
| John N Abelson, Ph.D. | George Beadle Professor of Biology, Emeritus |
| Yaser Abu-Mostafa, Ph.D. | Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science |
| Rana Adhikari, Ph.D. | Professor of Physics |
| Jess F Adkins, Ph.D. | Smits Family Professor of Geochemistry and Global Environmental Science |
Caltech
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
It is definitely not an easy task to get into Caltech as an Indian student as the acceptance rate is only 2.57% for the recent year. To get in, the applicant has to be extraordinary with great academic grades, English language proficiency and more. Look at the Caltech admission requirements given be
L
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
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 In
D
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
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 scor
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 4 months ago
Indian students seeking admission to Caltech are required to follow the steps mentioned below to secure their seats:
- Register on the official Catltech application portal (Questbridge or Common App)
- Choose a course and apply
- Make sure to upload all the required documents and fill in all mandatory field
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 months ago
While the course fees are subject to vary as per the specialisation and levels of study, according to the official Caltech website, the average California Institute of Technology Fees for Indian students is USD 65.622 (INR 56 L) per year.
Students must also take into account the costs associated with
A
Contributor-Level 10
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Caltech
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| University City | Pasadena, California, USA |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 1,43,000 |
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1200 East California Boulevard Pasadena, California 91125 USA
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1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
Pasadena ( California)
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