Caltech combines the most selective admission standards with extraordinary post-graduation outcomes. Graduates earn $56,764 beyond expectations while maintaining controlled debt levels, creating exceptional return on educational investment for those who gain admission to this elite STEM institution.
With among the highest performance we track, driven by extraordinary graduate earnings and strong value-added outcomes
Around the national average, reflecting managed costs balanced against premium pricing
With above average performance, reflecting moderate success in economic advancement despite limited access
With above average performance, reflecting moderate success in economic advancement despite limited access
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisTop 5 nationally for graduate earnings
California Institute of Technology ranks #91 nationally with Return performance at the 99.6th percentile, reflecting among the highest return on investment we track. Located in Pasadena, California, this small private research university maintains the most selective admission standards with a 3.1% acceptance rate while delivering exceptional graduate outcomes.
Caltech enrolls 14.9% Pell-eligible students and 1.8% transfer students, typical for highly selective institutions. Graduates earn $56,764 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 99.5th percentile nationally.
Median earnings reach $128,566 ten years after enrollment, placing Caltech at the 99.9th percentile for long-term earnings. Compared to a peer median of $50,412, graduates earn $78,154 more annually.
This combination of extraordinary selectivity and exceptional economic outcomes positions Caltech among the nation's most elite educational investments, though accessibility remains limited to those who can navigate the admission process.
Caltech delivers extraordinary earnings outcomes that justify its premium investment. Graduates earn $128,566 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 99.9th percentile nationally.
This median represents among the highest we track, with earnings spanning from $78,105 at the 25th percentile to $225,460 at the 75th percentile, indicating both strong baseline outcomes and exceptional upside potential. The institution generates $56,764 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 99.5th percentile nationally on this measure.
Exceptionally high-achieving students seeking rigorous STEM education with prestigious research opportunities. Best suited for those prioritizing top-tier post-graduation outcomes and willing to navigate extremely competitive admission (3.1%).
Strong fit for students focused on computer science, engineering, and physical sciences who value small class sizes and intensive academic environments.
California Institute of Technology admits approximately 3.1% of applicants, meaning roughly 1 in 32 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places Caltech among the most selective institutions in the United States, comparable to Harvard, Stanford, and MIT.
The peer median admission rate of 75.6% highlights the extraordinary difference between Caltech's selectivity and typical four-year institutions. Even among elite private research universities, Caltech's acceptance rate falls at the most competitive end of the spectrum.
This level of selectivity means that even exceptionally qualified students—those with perfect test scores, outstanding research experience, and exceptional mathematical ability—face significant uncertainty in the admission process. Many students who would excel at Caltech do not receive admission simply due to the volume of highly qualified applicants competing for fewer than 250 spots.
For this reason, students considering Caltech should treat it as an extreme reach school regardless of qualifications and build comprehensive college lists that include institutions with higher acceptance rates but comparable STEM outcomes. Students should expect the admission process to be highly unpredictable and focus on demonstrating genuine passion for scientific research and mathematical problem-solving.
California Institute of Technology's published cost of attendance is $83,598 per year—that's $63,255 in tuition, $19,503 for room and board, and $1,428 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $18,902 after financial aid, a savings of $64,696 annually.
This represents a 77% reduction from sticker price, indicating aggressive need-based aid policies designed to make the institution accessible despite premium pricing. The net price varies dramatically by family income, ranging from $1,667 for families earning under $30,000 to $56,275 for those earning over $110,000.
Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $21,812, Caltech students pay $2,910 less on average, suggesting competitive financial aid relative to similar selective institutions. The substantial gap between published and actual costs reflects the institution's commitment to need-based aid, though families should prepare for significant expenses at higher income levels.
Financial aid savings average nearly $65,000 annually, making this one of the more generous aid programs among elite private institutions. The cost structure indicates that admitted students from middle and lower-income backgrounds receive substantial support, while higher-income families pay closer to full cost.
Caltech graduates demonstrate unique earnings patterns reflecting the institution's specialized mission. Median earnings peak at $142,597 eight years after enrollment before settling at $128,566 at ten years, representing a 2.7% decline from the six-year mark of $132,140.
This pattern differs from typical career trajectories and may reflect graduate school pursuit or industry timing specific to STEM fields. These outcomes are based on small cohorts of 57-72 graduates across different time horizons, providing reasonable confidence despite the specialized student body.
Graduates earn $56,764 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Caltech at the 99.5th percentile for earnings uplift. The earnings distribution spans a 2.9:1 ratio from P25 to P75, reflecting varied career paths within technical fields.
Approximately 30% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating preparation for both advanced research and immediate workforce entry. Compared to peer institutions with median earnings of $50,412, Caltech graduates earn $78,154 more annually.
Computer Science.
72 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
15 graduates
Caltech offers limited undergraduate program diversity, with only Computer Science meeting federal reporting thresholds for earnings data. Computer Science ranks #7 nationally and #2 in California, producing 72 graduates with median earnings of $173,344 and an exceptional value score of 96.7.
This program represents 100% of trackable graduates, reflecting the institution's specialized mission and small scale. The program's top-tier national ranking and extraordinary earnings outcomes demonstrate Caltech's focused excellence in technical education.
While federal data captures only this single program, it serves as the flagship offering that defines the institution's educational approach and career outcomes. The concentration of all graduates within this high-performing program explains the institution's exceptional earnings performance and return on investment metrics.
Consider these schools with similar outcomes but higher acceptance rates:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Franklin W Olin College Of Engineering Higher acceptance rate (18.5 percentage points higher); similar graduate earnings | MA | 22% | $129,455 | Compare |
Bentley University Higher acceptance rate (45.3 percentage points higher); similar graduate earnings | MA | 48% | $120,959 | Compare |
Claremont Mckenna College Same state (24 miles away) (earnings difference: 18.5%); same institution type | CA | 11% | $104,736 | Compare |
Harvey Mudd College Same state (24 miles away) with similar earnings; same institution type | CA | 13% | $138,687 | Compare |
Stanford University Same state with nearly identical earnings and similar program focus; same institution type | CA | 4% | $124,080 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Franklin W Olin College Of Engineering Similar quality tier (#114 ranked) | MA | 22% | $129,455 | #114 | Compare |
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This is the California Institute Of Technology hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/california-institute-of-technology/analysis.
Berea College Similar quality tier (#117 ranked) | KY | 33% | $43,150 | #117 | Compare |
Claremont Mckenna College Similar quality tier in West (#123 ranked) | CA | 11% | $104,736 | #123 | Compare |
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Washington And Lee University Similar quality tier (#150 ranked) | VA | 17% | $94,810 | #150 | Compare |