Students at the California Institute of Technology achieve one of the largest earnings advantages in higher education, earning approximately $57,000 more than similar students at other institutions.
This extraordinary premium reflects Caltech's unique position as a world-renowned STEM institution that opens doors to the most lucrative technical careers.
The California Institute of Technology stands as one of the most prestigious and academically rigorous institutions in the United States, serving a highly selective student body of exceptional STEM-focused scholars. With a 93% six-year graduation rate and median earnings of $128,566 ten years after enrollment, Caltech delivers some of the strongest financial outcomes in higher education. What makes these results particularly impressive is that graduates earn approximately $56,764 more than similar students at other institutions, representing one of the largest earnings premiums we track.
Caltech's unique position as a small, research-intensive institute means it serves a very specific population. Only about 15% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the institution's highly selective admissions process and the academic preparation required for success in its demanding programs. The school's focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics creates a pipeline to some of the highest-paying careers in the economy, from aerospace engineering to quantitative finance to technology leadership roles.
For families who can manage the financial investment, Caltech represents an unparalleled opportunity for students with the academic preparation and passion for technical fields. The combination of world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge research opportunities, and an alumni network that includes Nobel laureates and industry leaders creates long-term value that extends far beyond the immediate post-graduation earnings figures.
The California Institute of Technology's program portfolio is uniquely focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, creating direct pathways to some of the most lucrative and intellectually demanding careers in the modern economy. While specific program-level data is limited, Caltech's reputation and outcomes are built on its strength in fields like physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and various engineering disciplines. The institution's small size and research intensity mean that every program benefits from world-class faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and extensive research opportunities that are typically available only to graduate students at larger universities.
The extraordinary earnings outcomes achieved by Caltech graduates reflect the institution's ability to prepare students for leadership roles in high-growth, high-compensation fields. Whether graduates pursue careers in aerospace engineering, biotechnology, quantitative finance, software development, or academic research, they benefit from the rigorous technical training and problem-solving skills that define a Caltech education. The institution's alumni network includes Nobel laureates, technology entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who provide mentorship and career opportunities that extend far beyond typical university connections.
What sets Caltech apart is not just the technical depth of its programs, but the research experience and innovation mindset that students develop. This combination of theoretical knowledge, practical research skills, and entrepreneurial thinking creates graduates who are uniquely positioned to succeed in rapidly evolving technical fields where the highest compensation and most interesting challenges await.
Graduates of the California Institute of Technology achieve exceptional long-term financial outcomes that reflect the institution's unique position in American higher education. Ten years after enrollment, Caltech graduates earn a median of $128,566, placing them among the highest-earning graduates in the country. Even more impressive is that these graduates earn approximately $56,764 more than similar students at other institutions, representing one of the largest earnings premiums we track and demonstrating the extraordinary value of a Caltech education.
The financial returns begin early in graduates' careers, with six-year median earnings of $132,140 actually exceeding the ten-year figure, suggesting that many Caltech graduates enter high-paying fields immediately after graduation or pursue advanced degrees that temporarily reduce measured earnings before leading to even higher compensation. This pattern is typical of institutions that send large numbers of graduates into research, academia, or highly specialized technical fields where advanced training is common.
Caltech's focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics creates direct pathways to some of the most lucrative and stable career fields in the modern economy. Whether graduates pursue careers in aerospace, biotechnology, quantitative finance, software engineering, or academic research, the combination of rigorous technical training, research experience, and the Caltech brand opens doors to opportunities that are simply not available to graduates of most other institutions.
Affordability at the California Institute of Technology varies dramatically by family income, reflecting both the institution's commitment to supporting low-income students and the reality of its high sticker price. Low-income families pay an average net price of just $1,667 per year, making Caltech remarkably affordable for students from families with the greatest financial need. Middle-income families face a more substantial but still manageable net price of $7,003 annually, while high-income families pay $56,275 per year, reflecting the full cost of this premium educational experience.
The institution's financial aid strategy clearly prioritizes access for academically qualified students regardless of family income. The dramatic difference between net prices for low-income and high-income families demonstrates Caltech's commitment to ensuring that financial barriers don't prevent exceptional students from accessing its programs. For families at the higher end of the income spectrum, the substantial investment reflects the premium nature of the education and the extraordinary career opportunities it provides.
What makes these costs more manageable is the strong earning potential of Caltech graduates. With median earnings exceeding $128,000 ten years after enrollment and a substantial earnings premium compared to similar institutions, graduates are well-positioned to manage any educational debt they may have incurred. The combination of generous need-based aid for lower-income students and exceptional post-graduation earning potential creates a sustainable financial model for most families who can gain admission.
California Institute Of Technology Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
