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Colleges / CA / Pasadena
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California Institute of Technology

Private nonprofit Pasadena, CA · Urban · Far West · 80% data reported · Agent Insights
94%
Graduation Rate
$128,566
Earnings (10yr)
$16,075
Net Price
3%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

California Institute of Technology has an acceptance rate of just 3%, making it one of the most selective schools in the nation. This reflects high demand for its rigorous academic programs and small class sizes, with an enrollment of only 987 students.

Graduates from Caltech earn a median income of $128,566 within ten years of graduation. This significant earning potential indicates strong career outcomes for its alumni. While specific mobility data is not available, the school's focus on STEM fields suggests that students are well-prepared for high-paying jobs in technology and engineering.

The net price for attending Caltech is $16,075, which is relatively low for a private institution of its caliber. While 18% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some level of financial need, the absence of debt data makes it difficult to assess long-term financial impact. Students who thrive here are typically those with a strong foundation in math and science, ready to engage in a demanding academic environment.

Rankings

How California Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation94%Earnings 10yr$129KNet Price$16KRetention97%Pell Grant Rate18%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$-2K$0-30K$-3K$30-48K$0K$48-75K$54K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%481.0%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%6606.2%MOBILITY317.78%

Cost & Financial Aid

$65,898
In-State Tuition
$65,898
Out-of-State
$16,075
Avg Net Price
18%
Pell Grant Rate
4%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$-2,133
Family Income $0–$30K
$-2,886
Family Income $30K–$48K
$431
Family Income $48K–$75K
$54,157
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$132,140
6 Years After Entry
$142,597
8 Years
$128,566
10 Years
41%
Loan Repayment (3yr)
81%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$132,140 6yr $142,597 8yr $128,566 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

317.78%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
6606.2%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
481.0%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$124,500
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.84
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
4.9%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Research & Teaching

Data: Times Higher Education World University Rankings

#2
World Rank
97.7
Teaching
98
Research
99.9
Citations
54.6
International

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

13.705%
Inventor Rate
280
Total Patents
440
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 3%
Retention Rate 97%
Full-Time Faculty 91%
Faculty Salary (mo) $23,993
Diversity Index 0.78

Top Programs

Computer Science & IT 41%
Engineering 31%
Physical Sciences 14%
Mathematics & Statistics 8%
Biology & Biomedical 5%
Business & Marketing 1%