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California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 18,828
  • Tuition Fee From$ 27,285
  • Country Rank#42
  • Batch Strength2,233
  • Global Diversity34%
  • Gender Ratio36:64

Overview

About

The California Institute of Technology (also known as Caltech or CIT) is a private research university in Pasadena, California. The university is well-known for its strengths in science and engineering. It is one of only a few institutes of technology in the United States dedicated mainly to training pure and applied sciences. Amos G. Throop started the school in 1891 as a preparatory and vocational school, and it soon attracted renowned scientists like George Ellery Hale, Arthur Amos Noyes, and Robert Andrews Millikan in the early twentieth century. In 1910, the vocational and preliminary schools were dissolved and split off, and the college was given its current name in 1920. 

 

Caltech's academic divisions include biology and biological engineering, chemistry and chemical engineering, engineering and applied science, geology and planetary sciences, humanities and social sciences, physics, mathematics, and astronomy. The university guarantees all first-year undergraduate and graduate students housing. Instead of standard undergraduate living halls seen at many American institutions, there are eight undergraduate houses, within each government and customs. Graduate students recently admitted are given precedence for residence in the on-campus Catalina Apartments. It is worth noting that the California Institute of Technology acceptance rate stands at a mere 6.7% making it extremely competitive to get admissions. 

 

Many recent scientific achievements and innovations have been made possible by university scientists and engineers, including advances in quantum physics, protein engineering, sustainability science, seismic monitoring, and soft robotics. Approximately 80% of Caltech undergraduates collaborate and work during their studies. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships are available at the institution, where students prepare research papers, engage with advisors, and submit their projects. Caltech is home to around 50 research institutes and centers, including the Resnick Sustainability Institute and the Tectonics Observatory.

University Name California Institute of Technology
Official Website www.caltech.edu
Year of Establishment 1920
Average Living Cost $21,876
Total No. of International Students 2,240
University Type Private
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Ranking

US News & World Report 2024:

California Institute of Technology achieved a notable position on the global stage, securing #9 position.


QS World University Ranking 2024:

California Institute of Technology has shown excellence by securing 7 spot on the global scale.


Major global ranking systems consistently place Caltech among the top 10 institutions in the world, and among the top four in the United States. Caltech was placed sixth in the world in 2021 based on the combined world university rankings of THE, QS, and ARWU. For 2022, U.S. Caltech was ranked ninth overall in the United States by News & World Report, 11th for most innovative, and 15th for the greatest value. U.S. Graduate programs in chemistry and earth sciences were likewise ranked first among national universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Caltech was ranked first in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings between 2011 and 2016. It was also named the finest institution in the world in two categories: Physical Sciences and Engineering & Technology. It was also discovered to have the greatest faculty citation rate in the globe. Check out the most recent California Institute of Technology rankings below. 

  • THE (Times Higher Education) - University Ranking 2022: #2
  • US News & World Report - National University Ranking 2022: #9
  • ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Universities Rankings 2021: #9

 

Course Rankings:

Although the California Institute of Technology offers a multitude of courses, engineering is one such course that is ranked by some of the top publications and agencies worldwide. But other courses are no less; from science to humanities; all the courses at Caltech have made a significant impact and a place in the world rankings. We have listed down some of the most popular ones below.

Engineering Courses

  • THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering 2022: #8
  • US News & World Report - Aerospace Engineering PG 2022: #1
  • US News & World Report - Best UG Biomedical Engineering Schools 2022: #23
  • US News & World Report - Biomedical Engineering PG 2022: #21
  • US News & World Report - Chemical Engineering PG 2022: #2
  • US News & World Report - Civil Engineering PG 2022: #13

 

Computer Courses

  • THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science 2022: #13
  • US News & World Report - Computer Engineering PG 2022: #8
  • US News & World Report - UG Computer Engineering 2022: #8

 

Science Courses

  • THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences Rankings 2022: #6
  • ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Shanghai Mathematics Rankings 2021: #39
  • ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Shanghai Physics Rankings 2021: #5
  • QS - Physics and Astronomy Rankings 2021: #7
  • QS - QS - Biological Sciences Rankings 2021: #11

 

Medicine Courses

  • QS - QS - Medicine Rankings 2022: #101-150

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

#6

#9

2022

#6

#9

Facilities

When it comes to California Institute of Technology facilities; the university has a lot to offer its students. Students can benefit from everything from housing facilities to top-notch research facilities. Caltech's scientific research and achievements are world-renowned. Graduate students benefit from the Institute's broad range of research possibilities. Furthermore, the students and professors have the opportunity to do research at some of the best facilities available at other universities, research centers, and the private sector. Other facilities include the following -

  • Faculty Housing
  • Design & Construction
  • Bicycle Friendly 
  • Mail Services
  • Centralized Copier Program
  • Faculty Operations
  • Facilities Finance 
  • Parking & Commuter Services
  • Environment, Health & Safety
  • Campus Security

Notable Alumni

Kip Thorne
Kip Thorne
American Theoretical Physicist
Gordon Moore
Gordon Moore
American Businessman
Amy Mainzer
Amy Mainzer
American Astronomer

Courses

Admission

California Institute of Technology Entry Requirements

There are six academic divisions at the California Institute of Technology where students can proffer any courses they like. The application processes for national and overseas applicants are comparable, with the exception that international applicants require extra supporting documentation. Undergraduate programs include Engineering and Applied Science, Biology and Biological Engineering, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and a few additional subjects. Check out the California Institute of Technology entry requirements below:

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

  • An online application on the university portal 
  • Application fee of $75
  • Official transcripts
  • Passport copies
  • Financial statements
  • List of extracurricular activities
  • Teacher Evaluation
  • English proficiency score
    • TOEFL iBT
    • Duolingo

Note: There is no minimum score requirement in the English Proficiency exams.

Graduate Admission Requirements

  • An application fee of $100
  • 3 LORs
  • Official transcripts
  • CV or resume
  • SOP
  • Passport copies
  • Admission interview
  • Financial statement
  • English proficiency score
    • TOEFL iBT
    • Duolingo

 

California Institute of Technology Fees

The California Institute of Technology fees after aid cost around $26,542 and aid includes scholarships and grants given to the students by the institution or the federal government. The expenses of this college may be on the higher end as it is based in one of the most popular and opportunity-rich cities that is California. The courses are rigorous and come with a good prospect where students get to experience real-world practical knowledge. The coursework is not confined to classrooms and the faculty present at this university is one of the best in the nation. Let us now see the different fees of popular courses at Caltech to get an idea of how much an average student is paying for the cost of attendance. 

  • M.S Mechanical Engineering: $59,867
  • B.S Astronomy: $66,543
  • M.S Electrical Engineering: $59,867
  • B.S Mathematics: $66,543
  • B.S Geology: $66,543
  • B.S Chemistry: $66,543

Scholarship

Regardless of the programme you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by California Institute of Technology  as well as other organisations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can greatly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at the California Institute of Technology  through UniScholars. You can find the following types of scholarships based on your academic performance and financial situation:
 

  • Merit-based scholarships
  • Need-based scholarships
  • Country-specific scholarships
  • College-specific scholarships
  • Student-specific scholarships

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the university. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend California Institute of Technology . You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or in a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodation near the California Institute of Technology , such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Pasadena is rather higher compared to other US states as California is a city with high quality of life and many opportunities. Students who wish to stay here should look for student financing like loans and scholarships. Rest; to help you with the costs, we have mentioned all the primary costs in the table below that will help you get an idea of your expenses. 

 

Items

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$675

On-Campus Accommodation

$600

Transportation

$100

Food Cost

$600

Utility Cost

$187

Entertainment

$66

Groceries

$60

Clothes

$126

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

$1,894

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

$1,819

Annual Cost of Living

$21,828

Placement

The California Institute of Technology Placements & Career Development Center offers graduates and former students specialized career services. The center gives students access to counseling, resume-writing courses and advice, pre-health and pre-professional consulting, networking techniques, and higher education possibilities. The job center even teaches students how to write thank-you notes for interviews. To connect with employers, students get access to LinkedIn labs.

Graduates of the California Institute of Technology started with an average salary of $105,500. Over 150 recruiters seek out Caltech grads at the university's twice-yearly career fairs. In the area of midsize businesses, Caltech is ranked by Forbes, in 2022, as the seventh top employer in the United States.

FAQs