# California Institute of Technology

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-institute-of-technology

## Overview

- **Location:** Pasadena, CA
- **Type:** Private nonprofit
- **Setting:** Urban
- **Region:** Far West
- **Enrollment:** 987
- **Predominant Degree:** Bachelor's

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.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | 3% |
| SAT Average | N/A |
| ACT Midpoint | N/A |

## Cost & Aid

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| In-State Tuition | $65,898 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $65,898 |
| Average Net Price | $16,075 |
| Median Debt | N/A |
| Pell Grant Rate | 18% |
| Federal Loan Rate | 4% |

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $-2,133 |
| $30K-$48K | $-2,886 |
| $48K-$75K | $431 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $54,157 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 94% |
| Retention Rate | 97% |
| Earnings (6yr) | $132,140 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $142,597 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $128,566 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | N/A |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | 41% |

## Social Mobility (Opportunity Insights)

Data source: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Mobility Rate (Q1→Q5) | 317.78% |
| Success Rate (bottom 20% → top 20%) | 6606.2% |
| Students from Bottom 20% | 481.0% |
| Parent Median Income | $124,500 |

## Social Capital (Social Capital Atlas)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Economic Connectedness | 1.84 |
| Friending Bias | -0.01 |
| Volunteering Rate | 4.9% |
| Support Ratio | 1.00 |

## Research & Teaching (Times Higher Education)

| Metric | Score |
|--------|-------|
| World Rank | #2 |
| Teaching | 97.7 |
| Research | 98 |
| Citations | 99.9 |

## Innovation (Opportunity Insights Patent Data)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Inventor Rate | 13.705% |
| Total Patents | 280 |
| Total Citations | 440 |

## Top Programs

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

## Rankings

This school appears in 120 CollegeRanker rankings:

- #2 in [Best Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-california)
- #2 in [Best Colleges in Far West](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-far-west)
- #2 in [Best Colleges in Pacific Northwest](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-pacific-northwest)
- #2 in [Best Small Colleges](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-small-colleges)
- #2 in [Best Bachelor's Programs in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-california)
- #2 in [Best Master's Programs in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-california)
- #2 in [Best Computer Science Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-california)
- #2 in [Best Engineering Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-engineering-california)
- #2 in [Best Data Science Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-data-science-california)
- #4 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Computer Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-computer-science)
- #4 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Data Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-data-science)
- #4 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Cybersecurity](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-cybersecurity)
- #4 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Information Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-information-technology)
- #4 in [Best Biology Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-biology-california)
- #5 in [Best Colleges for Computer Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-computer-science)
- #5 in [Best Colleges for Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-engineering)
- #5 in [Best Colleges for Physical Sciences](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-physical-sciences)
- #5 in [Best Colleges for Data Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-data-science)
- #5 in [Best Colleges for Cybersecurity](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-cybersecurity)
- #5 in [Best Colleges for Information Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-information-technology)
- #5 in [Best Colleges for Environmental Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-environmental-science)
- #5 in [Best Colleges for Mechanical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-mechanical-engineering)
- #5 in [Best Colleges for Electrical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-electrical-engineering)
- #5 in [Best Colleges for Civil Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-civil-engineering)
- #5 in [Best Bachelor's in Computer Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-computer-science)
- #5 in [Best Bachelor's in Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-engineering)
- #5 in [Best Bachelor's in Physical Sciences](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-physical-sciences)
- #5 in [Best Bachelor's in Data Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-data-science)
- #5 in [Best Bachelor's in Cybersecurity](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-cybersecurity)
- #5 in [Best Bachelor's in Information Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-information-technology)
- #5 in [Best Bachelor's in Environmental Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-environmental-science)
- #5 in [Best Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-mechanical-engineering)
- #5 in [Best Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-electrical-engineering)
- #5 in [Best Bachelor's in Civil Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-civil-engineering)
- #5 in [Best Master's in Computer Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-computer-science)
- #5 in [Best Master's in Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-engineering)
- #5 in [Best Master's in Physical Sciences](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-physical-sciences)
- #5 in [Best Master's in Data Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-data-science)
- #5 in [Best Master's in Cybersecurity](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-cybersecurity)
- #5 in [Best Master's in Information Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-information-technology)
- #5 in [Best Master's in Environmental Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-environmental-science)
- #5 in [Best Master's in Mechanical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-mechanical-engineering)
- #5 in [Best Master's in Electrical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-electrical-engineering)
- #5 in [Best Master's in Civil Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-civil-engineering)
- #5 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-engineering)
- #5 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Mathematics](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-mathematics)
- #5 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Physical Sciences](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-physical-sciences)
- #5 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Environmental Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-environmental-science)
- #5 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Mechanical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-mechanical-engineering)
- #5 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Electrical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-electrical-engineering)
- #5 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Civil Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-civil-engineering)
- #5 in [Best ROI Colleges for Computer Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-roi-computer-science)
- #5 in [Best ROI Colleges for Data Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-roi-data-science)
- #5 in [Best ROI Colleges for Cybersecurity](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-roi-cybersecurity)
- #5 in [Best ROI Colleges for Information Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-roi-information-technology)
- #6 in [Best ROI Colleges for Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-roi-engineering)
- #6 in [Best ROI Colleges for Mechanical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-roi-mechanical-engineering)
- #6 in [Best ROI Colleges for Electrical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-roi-electrical-engineering)
- #6 in [Best ROI Colleges for Civil Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-roi-civil-engineering)
- #6 in [Best MBA Programs for Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mba-technology)
- #6 in [Best Globally-Ranked American Universities](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-global-universities)
- #7 in [Colleges With the Highest-Earning Graduates](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-earning-graduates)
- #7 in [Best ROI Colleges for Physical Sciences](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-roi-physical-sciences)
- #7 in [Best ROI Colleges for Environmental Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-roi-environmental-science)
- #7 in [Best Social Mobility Colleges for Computer Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mobility-computer-science)
- #7 in [Best Social Mobility Colleges for Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mobility-engineering)
- #7 in [Best Social Mobility Colleges for Data Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mobility-data-science)
- #7 in [Best Social Mobility Colleges for Cybersecurity](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mobility-cybersecurity)
- #7 in [Best Social Mobility Colleges for Information Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mobility-information-technology)
- #7 in [Best Social Mobility Colleges for Mechanical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mobility-mechanical-engineering)
- #7 in [Best Social Mobility Colleges for Electrical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mobility-electrical-engineering)
- #7 in [Best Social Mobility Colleges for Civil Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mobility-civil-engineering)
- #7 in [Best Research Universities in America](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-research-universities)
- #9 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Biology](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-biology)
- #9 in [Colleges That Spend the Most on Instruction](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-instructional-spending)
- #9 in [Best Teaching Universities in America](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-teaching-universities)
- #10 in [Best ROI Colleges for Mathematics](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-roi-mathematics)
- #11 in [Best Colleges for Mathematics](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-mathematics)
- #11 in [Best Bachelor's in Mathematics](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-mathematics)
- #11 in [Best Master's in Mathematics](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-mathematics)
- #11 in [Most Innovative Colleges in America](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-innovative-colleges)
- #12 in [Best Colleges Under $20K/Year](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-under-20k)
- #12 in [Best Social Mobility Colleges for Physical Sciences](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mobility-physical-sciences)
- #12 in [Best Social Mobility Colleges for Environmental Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mobility-environmental-science)
- #13 in [Best Colleges in America](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges)
- #13 in [Best Private Universities](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-private-universities)
- #13 in [Best Value Colleges](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-value-colleges)
- #13 in [Best Master's Programs](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-programs)
- #13 in [Best Private University Bachelor's Programs](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-private-bachelors)
- #13 in [Best Private University Master's Programs](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-private-masters)
- #13 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Criminal Justice](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-criminal-justice)
- #14 in [Universities With the Highest Research Impact](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-citation-impact)
- #16 in [Most Affordable Colleges for Physical Sciences](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-physical-sciences)
- #16 in [Most Affordable Colleges for Environmental Science](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-environmental-science)
- #17 in [Colleges Where Graduates Earn Over $75K](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/graduates-earning-over-75k)
- #17 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Education](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-education)
- #17 in [Best Social Mobility Colleges for Mathematics](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mobility-mathematics)
- #18 in [Best No-Loan & Low-Debt Colleges](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-no-loan-colleges)
- #20 in [Most Affordable Colleges for Mathematics](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-mathematics)
- #22 in [Best ROI Colleges for Biology](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-roi-biology)
- #26 in [Hardest Colleges to Get Into](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/hardest-colleges)
- #30 in [Ivy Plus Schools Ranked by Social Mobility](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/ivy-plus-mobility-ranking)
- #32 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for English](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-english)
- #36 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Communications](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-communications)
- #36 in [Best Social Mobility Colleges for Biology](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mobility-biology)
- #37 in [Most Diverse Colleges](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-diversity)
- #38 in [Colleges With the Highest ROI](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-roi-colleges)
- #38 in [Best Colleges for Social Mobility](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-social-mobility)
- #40 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Health Professions](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-nursing)
- #40 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Public Health](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-public-health)
- #40 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Healthcare Administration](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-healthcare-administration)
- #41 in [Most Affordable Colleges for Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-engineering)
- #41 in [Most Affordable Colleges for Mechanical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-mechanical-engineering)
- #41 in [Most Affordable Colleges for Electrical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-electrical-engineering)
- #41 in [Most Affordable Colleges for Civil Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-civil-engineering)
- #42 in [Best Colleges for Biology](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-biology)
- #42 in [Best Bachelor's in Biology](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-biology)
- #42 in [Best Master's in Biology](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-biology)
- #47 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Visual](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-arts)
- #47 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Graphic Design](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-graphic-design)

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "California Institute of Technology — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-institute-of-technology