California Institute Of Technology Programs & Rankings

Outcomes-based program rankings.

Program outcomes at California Institute of Technology reflect the institution's specialized STEM mission rather than broad programmatic diversity. The rankings below evaluate the single program meeting federal reporting thresholds based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment.

Analyzing 2 programs with available earnings data.

This highlight surfaces the standout program that defines Caltech's educational focus and career outcomes.

Notable Programs

Highest Earnings

Computer Science.

$173K

#7 nationally

Best National Rank

Computer Science.

$173K median earnings

Largest Enrollment

Computer Science.

Program Insights

Highest Earning Programs

Earnings analysis focuses on the single trackable program that defines Caltech's mission. Computer Science graduates earn $173,344 median annually, representing extraordinary outcomes even among elite institutions. The earnings reflect the institution's specialized focus on technical education and research preparation. Students prioritizing maximum earning potential will find this program delivers exceptional results, though they should consider whether the specialized environment aligns with their educational goals and career interests.

Top Ranked Programs

The program ranking table reveals Caltech's concentrated excellence in computer science education. Computer Science achieves #7 national ranking and #2 California ranking, demonstrating elite performance within this specialized field. The program's 96.7 value score indicates exceptional return on investment, while median earnings of $173,344 place graduates among the highest-earning in the nation. Students seeking diverse program options should consider this concentration when evaluating institutional fit. The table below provides detailed metrics for assessing this flagship program's national competitive position.

Earnings Distribution (10yr)Across 2 programs

Median: $173K

$83KLowest

$173KHighest

$0$63K$125K$188K$250K

This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.

The table below shows program performance for Caltech's single trackable undergraduate major.

These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at California Institute Of Technology.

Engineering & Technology

$128K avg

2 programs1 Top 10 Nationally

Computer Science stands as Caltech's flagship program, ranking #7 nationally and producing graduates earning $173,344 annually. This program represents 100% of federally trackable graduates, reflecting the institution's concentrated excellence in technical education.

With a value score of 96.7, this represents exceptional return on investment. The program is best suited for students who prioritize top-tier computer science preparation with intensive research opportunities.

Program	National Rank	Median Earnings	Median Debt	Cohort Size
Computer Science.	#7	$173,344

How We Rank Programs

California Institute of Technology's specialized mission means that only Computer Science meets federal reporting requirements for earnings data, requiring cohorts of at least 10 graduates. This reflects the institution's focused approach to technical education rather than broad programmatic offerings. The rankings shown reflect labor-market outcomes based on Department of Education College Scorecard data, emphasizing post-graduation earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than academic reputation or research rankings. The concentrated program data demonstrates exceptional performance within the institution's specialized STEM focus, though it limits comparative analysis across diverse fields of study. Students should understand that this single program essentially defines the Caltech undergraduate experience and career trajectory, making program fit particularly important in the admission decision.

Ranking Inputs

40%
Graduate Earnings
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
20%
Affordability
Debt burden relative to earnings
15%
Value-Added
Institutional contribution to outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions about California Institute Of Technology Majors & Programs

The strongest program by earnings at California Institute Of Technology is Mechanical Engineering, with graduates earning $83,177 median salary.

Mechanical Engineering is California Institute Of Technology's highest-earning program, with graduates earning $83,177 median salary.

Yes, California Institute Of Technology is in the top 5% nationally for earnings beyond expectations. Graduates earn $56,764 more than predicted.

Azimuth ranks California's programs at three levels: state (CA), regional, and national. Rankings are based on graduate earnings outcomes, not prestige or reputation. This helps students find the best programs for career outcomes in their target geography.