Study at Caltech (California Institute of Technology) – Complete Guide 2026
In Pasadena, on a small campus surrounded by palm trees and the San Gabriel Mountains, live approximately 980 undergraduate students – fewer than most high schools. In the hallways of buildings named “Beckman Institute” or “Keck Observatory,” you’ll pass people who have authored articles in Nature and Science, some of them as young as 20. In the basement of one of the student houses, someone is currently building a laser from parts found in a dumpster, because that’s what a “normal Saturday” looks like at this institution. A few kilometers away, in the laboratories of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), engineers are controlling a rover on Mars, and many of them are students and alumni of this very university.
This is the California Institute of Technology – Caltech. The smallest, most focused, and perhaps most intense research university in the world. With only about 2,400 students in total (undergraduate + graduate), Caltech is smaller than most university departments, yet it boasts 46 Nobel laureates, manages the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and consistently ranks among the top globally. Acceptance rate? Around 3%, making Caltech one of the two or three most selective universities on the planet, alongside MIT and Stanford.
In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Caltech: from its unique house system (yes, a bit like Hogwarts), through its famous honor code that allows students to take exams unsupervised at home, to a realistic assessment of an international applicant’s chances. If you dream of studying science and engineering at the absolute highest global level, and aren’t afraid to be surrounded by people who are just as (or even more) talented than you, this article is for you.
Rankings and Caltech’s Global Position
Caltech is a university that defies ranking norms. With just 2,400 students and ~300 full-time faculty, Caltech shouldn’t be competing with giants boasting 30,000-50,000 students and thousands of researchers. And yet:
- QS World University Rankings 2025: #10 globally, incredible for a university of this size
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026: #6 – THE rewards research intensity, and Caltech has the highest number of citations per faculty member in the world
- U.S. News National Universities 2025: #7 ex aequo, among universities a fraction of the size of its competitors
- ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) 2025: #9 – a strong position in a ranking that primarily measures scientific output
But it’s not the overall rankings, but rather its intensity, that makes Caltech unique. The faculty-to-student ratio is 3:1 – the best in the USA, and likely in the world. For comparison: MIT has a 3:1 ratio at the graduate level, but 8:1 for undergraduates. At Caltech, every student has real, close contact with faculty, many of whom are world-class scientists, Nobel laureates, and members of the National Academy of Sciences.
46 Nobel laureates – affiliated with Caltech as faculty, researchers, or alumni. To put this in perspective: Caltech has a population smaller than many high schools, yet it boasts an extraordinary number of Nobel laureates, a testament to its unparalleled academic environment and the caliber of its community.
In subject rankings, Caltech dominates in niche areas: physics (top 5 globally), chemistry (top 5), Earth and planetary sciences (top 3, thanks to JPL), engineering (top 10), computer science (top 10). If you’re comparing the best technology universities in the USA, Caltech excels in pure sciences, while MIT often dominates in engineering applications.
Majors and Programs: Only STEM, but What STEM!
Caltech is an exclusively STEM institution – you won’t find journalism, English literature, political science, or art history as standalone majors here. This is a fundamental difference between Caltech and virtually every other top university in the USA (including MIT, which has strong programs in humanities and social sciences).
Caltech offers 28 majors (options) across six divisions:
Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy (PMA) – a legend. Physics at Caltech ranks among the top 3-5 globally. Historically, Richard Feynman taught here (his famous physics lectures originated at Caltech), as did Kip Thorne (2017 Nobel laureate for gravitational waves), and many other giants. Astronomy and astrophysics, with access to Palomar Observatory and Keck Observatory in Hawaii, are world-leading.
Division of Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) – computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, aerospace engineering. The CS program at Caltech is small but elite, with professor-to-student ratios allowing for genuine research mentorship from the first year.
Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (CCE) – chemistry at Caltech ranks among the top 3 globally. Linus Pauling, a two-time Nobel laureate (Chemistry 1954, Peace 1962) – was a Caltech faculty member. The tradition continues.
Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (BBE) – molecular biology, neurobiology, bioengineering. Caltech has a unique approach: biology here is deeply interdisciplinary, combining it with chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences (GPS) – Earth sciences, climatology, planetary sciences. Caltech manages the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for NASA, meaning students have access to data and projects related to missions to Mars (Perseverance, InSight), Jupiter (Europa Clipper), and beyond. This is an experience offered by no other university in the world.
Division of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) – yes, Caltech has a humanities division, but it serves a supporting role. Courses in economics, philosophy, history, and literature are mandatory as part of the core curriculum (known as “hum” requirements), but you cannot major in humanities here.
Core Curriculum: Everyone Must Go Through Everything
Caltech has an exceptionally demanding core curriculum – a set of mandatory courses that every student must complete, regardless of their chosen major:
- 5 terms of mathematics (calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, probability)
- 5 terms of physics (classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves, quantum physics, statistical physics)
- 2 terms of chemistry
- 1 term of biology
- 12 courses in humanities and social sciences (spread over four years)
- 3 terms of laboratory work
This means that even if you want to study computer science, your first year will involve intensive physics, chemistry, and mathematics at a level that, at many universities, would be reserved for second or third-year students. Caltech’s core curriculum is known for its brutal difficulty and is one reason why the university is “not for everyone.”
Honor Code: Trust as a Foundation
Caltech has one of the most famous honor code systems in American higher education. The principle is simple: “No member of the Caltech community shall take unfair advantage of any other member of the Caltech community.”
What does this mean in practice?
Exams are take-home and unsupervised. You receive the test, go home (or to a cafe, or to the lawn in front of Beckman Auditorium), solve it within the allotted time, and submit it. No one monitors you. No one checks for cheating. The system is based on trust, and on the fact that if someone cheats, they will be judged by the Board of Control (a student committee, not the administration).
Professors leave their office doors open. Materials, lab equipment, and even building keys are accessible to students 24/7. Trust is two-way.
Homework assignments are often collaborative. Caltech encourages cooperation; you can solve problem sets with classmates, provided each person writes down their solution independently and indicates with whom they worked. This isn’t cheating; it reflects a scientific culture where collaboration is the norm.
The Honor Code is not just a rule; it’s Caltech’s identity. Students say that the Honor Code changes the way you approach learning: instead of competing with peers, you collaborate with them. This creates an atmosphere that is academically intense but surprisingly socially supportive.
House System: A Community in Miniature
Caltech doesn’t have a typical American dormitory system. Instead, it has a house system – eight student houses, each with its own identity, traditions, and culture:
- Blacker House – known for its intellectual atmosphere and quiet intensity
- Dabney House – Caltech’s artistic bohemia
- Fleming House – traditional, sporty
- Lloyd House – large and diverse
- Page House – sociable and energetic
- Ricketts House – the oldest, with strong traditions (and the best food, according to students)
- Avery House – smaller, more intimate
- Venerable House – familiar and warm
First-year students are randomly assigned to houses through a process called Rotation. During the first week, you visit all eight houses, spend time with them, and then your preference ranking (yours and the houses’) is matched by an algorithm. Many students describe this experience as one of the most important of their first year.
The houses have their own kitchens, common rooms, traditions, and even budgets for events. You cannot change houses after assignment (except in exceptional circumstances). The system fosters strong bonds; students often say their house is their “family at Caltech.”
A comparison to the college systems at Oxford and Cambridge is natural, but Caltech’s houses are smaller (50-100 people vs. 300-500 at Oxford) and more integrated into daily life.
Cost of Attendance at Caltech in 2025/2026
Official Cost of Attendance for 2025/2026:
| Category | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | ~63,402 |
| Housing | ~11,600 |
| Dining | ~8,100 |
| Books and Supplies | ~1,400 |
| Personal Expenses | ~2,700 |
| Total | ~87,200 |
At approximately $87,200 per year, four years would total around $348,800. But before you close this page…
Financial Aid: Surprisingly Generous
Caltech applies a need-blind policy for US citizens and permanent residents, but is need-aware for international students. This is an important distinction, meaning your financial situation may influence the admissions decision.
HOWEVER – and this is crucial – if you are admitted, Caltech covers 100% of your demonstrated financial need. No loans are included in the financial aid package for undergraduates. This means that:
- If your family earns below $75,000 annually – tuition is effectively free.
- If your family earns $75,000-$150,000 – significant aid is provided, with tuition often fully covered.
- Even families with higher incomes often receive partial assistance.
Around 60% of Caltech students receive need-based financial aid, with the average grant being approximately $55,000 per year. Caltech does not offer merit-based scholarships (for academic achievement) – aid is exclusively need-based.
What you need to submit:
- CSS Profile (College Board)
- IDOC – income documents via College Board service
- For international students: additional forms and translations of financial documents
Looking for more information on funding? Read our guide to scholarships for studying in the USA and our article on studying in the USA for free.
Application Process: How to Apply to Caltech
Caltech uses the Common Application or QuestBridge (for students from low-income families). What’s unique: Caltech does not require supplemental essays, which is extremely rare among top universities. The Common App essay (650 words) is the only essay you need to write. But don’t be fooled; the lack of supplements doesn’t mean the application is simpler. Caltech evaluates you based on your entire profile.
Key Deadlines
| Application Path | Deadline | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Restrictive Early Action (REA) | November 1 | Mid-December |
| Regular Decision (RD) | January 2 | Mid-March |
Restrictive Early Action – an important distinction: REA at Caltech is non-binding (you can decline the offer), but it has restrictions. You cannot simultaneously apply Early Decision (ED) to another private university. However, you can apply Early Action (EA) to public universities. The acceptance rate for REA is slightly higher than for RD, but the applicant pool is generally stronger.
Application Requirements
- Common Application with the main essay (650 words) – read our guide to application essays
- SAT or ACT: Caltech requires scores (test-required). Median SAT for admitted students: 1530-1580. Median SAT Math: close to 800. Practice on okiro.io, which offers full SAT practice tests with AI feedback, and read our SAT guide.
- SAT Subject Tests: no longer required (abolished by College Board), but if you have old scores from Math Level 2, Physics, or Chemistry, it’s worth submitting them.
- TOEFL or IELTS: for non-native speakers. Prepare with prepclass.io, and read our TOEFL guide.
- Transcript: high school grades translated into English.
- Letters of recommendation: 1 from a counselor + 2 from teachers (mathematics and natural sciences are strongly preferred).
- Activities list, up to 10 in the Common App. Read our guide to building an applicant profile.
- No supplemental essays: the only top-10 university without supplemental essays.
What Caltech Pays Special Attention To
Caltech clearly communicates that it seeks students with a deep, authentic passion for science and mathematics. This is not a university for those who are “good at everything”; it’s a university for those who are fascinated by STEM. In practice, this means:
- Science Olympiads – medals from IPhO, IMO, IOI, IChO are a huge asset. Caltech loves Olympians.
- Personal research or engineering projects – if you’ve conducted research, built something, or programmed, this is more important than a list of 15 different clubs.
- Depth, not breadth – Caltech prefers a candidate who is outstanding in one or two areas, rather than a candidate who is good at ten.
- Mathematics and physics – even if you want to study biology, your math and physics scores will be carefully analyzed.
Caltech vs MIT: A Fair Comparison
This comparison is inevitable: Caltech and MIT are two of the most important STEM universities in the world. Here are the key differences:
| Criterion | Caltech | MIT |
|---|---|---|
| Size (undergrad) | ~980 | ~4,600 |
| Size (total) | ~2,400 | ~11,800 |
| Acceptance Rate | ~3% | ~3.9% |
| SAT median | 1530-1580 | 1540-1580 |
| Faculty:Student Ratio | 3:1 | 3:1 (grad), 8:1 (undergrad) |
| Location | Pasadena, CA | Cambridge, MA |
| Climate | Sun all year | Harsh winters |
| Humanities | Minimal (mandatory courses) | Strong (5 divisions) |
| Business School | None | Sloan (top 5 MBA) |
| Athletics | Division III (minimal) | Division III |
| Nobel Laureates (affiliated) | 46 | 100 |
| NASA/JPL | Directly manages JPL | Close cooperation, but no management |
| Honor Code | Yes (take-home exams) | No (standard exams) |
| Greek Life | None | Minimal |
| Supplemental Essays | None | 5 essays |
When Caltech > MIT:
- You want the absolute smallest, most intimate experience (980 vs. 4,600 undergrads).
- You are interested in planetary/space sciences (JPL).
- You value the Honor Code and take-home exams.
- You prefer sunny California to wintery Boston.
- You want a 3:1 faculty-to-student ratio at the undergraduate level.
When MIT > Caltech:
- You want greater diversity (majors, people, activities).
- You are also interested in humanities, business, or architecture.
- You are looking for a larger startup ecosystem (MIT + Boston/Cambridge).
- You want more sports options and student organizations.
- MIT is need-blind for international students (Caltech is need-aware).
If you’re wondering which university is “better” – read our article Harvard, MIT, or Stanford. The answer depends on who you are and what you’re looking for.
Student Life: Small, Intense, Supportive
Life at Caltech is unlike that at any other university in the USA. With 980 undergraduates, you practically know everyone. This isn’t an overcrowded campus with 30,000 students; it’s a small, tight-knit community of people who are just as fascinated by science as you are.
Rotation and houses – as described above, the houses are the center of social life. Many traditions (pranks, dinners, events) are organized by the houses.
Pranks – Caltech has a legendary tradition of pranks, often aimed at MIT. The most famous: in 2005, Caltech students took over a billboard in Cambridge, MA (near MIT) and displayed the slogan “That Other Institute of Technology.” Another time, in 1961, Caltech students changed the sign on a Rose Bowl football game poster so that “CALTECH” appeared instead of “WASHINGTON.” Pranks are treated as an expression of engineering creativity and are honored by the administration, as long as they don’t harm anyone.
SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships) – one of the best undergraduate research programs in the world. Around 90% of Caltech students participate in SURF during their studies, working one-on-one with a faculty member on a real research project, often leading to publications. This is an experience that, at most universities, is reserved for doctoral students.
Athletics – Caltech plays in NCAA Division III – the lowest division. The teams are… let’s say, enthusiastic, but not necessarily victorious. Caltech men’s basketball once had a legendary streak of 207 consecutive losses (1996-2011). Sports at Caltech are more about recreation and fun than fierce competition, which is refreshing compared to the Big Ten culture.
Location: Pasadena and LA. Pasadena is a quiet, affluent district north of downtown Los Angeles. The climate is ideal: sun almost all year round, mild winters, warm summers (though smog can be an issue). LA is a huge metropolis, with beaches, mountains, museums, restaurants, a music and film scene, but you’ll need a car (or friends with a car) because LA is sprawling and public transport is poor. Many Caltech students don’t leave campus for weeks because everything they need is on-site.
Realistic Chances for an International Applicant
Let’s be brutally honest: Caltech admits around 3% of applicants, which means fewer than 300 people annually (from over 13,000 applications). From all of continental Europe, probably only a handful of individuals are admitted.
What you need to have:
- SAT: 1530+ (ideally 1560+, Math: 800) – practice on okiro.io
- TOEFL: 100+ – prepare with prepclass.io
- Medal from an international Olympiad (IPhO, IMO, IOI, IChO) – this is not a formal requirement, but de facto, most international Caltech students have such a medal.
- Personal research or engineering projects – Caltech looks for people who “do science,” not just learn about it.
- Excellent grades in mathematics and natural sciences – top marks in physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
- Deep passion for STEM – this must be evident throughout your application.
Strategy:
- Apply simultaneously to several STEM universities, such as MIT, Georgia Tech, Carnegie Mellon, and UC Berkeley.
- Consider European alternatives with higher acceptance rates: ETH Zurich, EPFL, Imperial College London.
- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket with Caltech; with a 3% acceptance rate, even the best candidates often receive rejections.
- Read our complete guide to the application process.
Need individual help with your Caltech application? College Council offers mentoring from individuals who have successfully navigated the admissions process for top STEM universities. We can help with strategy, essays, and profile building.
Visas and Practical Matters
After admission to Caltech, you will need an F-1 student visa. Caltech issues Form I-20, which is the basis for applying for the visa. You can find a detailed guide in our student visa guide for the USA.
Practical information specific to Caltech:
- International Student Programs (ISP) – an office dedicated to international students, assisting with visas, taxes, and cultural adaptation.
- Orientation – Pre-Frosh Week for international students begins earlier than for Americans.
- Climate – Pasadena has a sunny, semi-arid Mediterranean climate. Pack sunscreen, not a winter jacket. Temperatures: 15-30°C (59-86°F) for most of the year.
- Transportation – Caltech has a shuttle to the Gold Line (LA Metro). Without a car, you are limited to campus, Pasadena, and places accessible by metro. Many students manage without a car.
- Cost of living – Pasadena is more expensive than most US cities, but cheaper than San Francisco. Campus housing is guaranteed for four years, so you don’t have to worry about finding accommodation.
Career After Caltech
A Caltech degree opens doors that open for only a few thousand people worldwide each year. Prospects:
PhD and research. Around 40-50% of Caltech graduates pursue PhD studies, the highest percentage among all US universities. Caltech is a pipeline for future professors, researchers, and scientists. If you dream of an academic career, this is an ideal starting point.
Tech and engineering. Caltech graduates go on to work at Google, Apple, SpaceX, JPL/NASA, Boeing, Meta, and Amazon. The median starting salary after a BSc is around $100,000-$120,000. In the tech sector, medians are even higher.
Finance. An increasing number of Caltech graduates enter quantitative finance, with firms like Jane Street, Citadel, Two Sigma, and D.E. Shaw aggressively recruiting on the Caltech campus. Starting packages in quant trading can exceed $300,000 with bonuses.
Startups. Caltech isn’t known for a startup ecosystem on the level of Stanford or MIT, but it produces technology companies based on deep science, biotech, aerospace, and materials science. The CTME (Caltech Technology Management and Economics) program supports entrepreneurship.
You can read more about career prospects after top universities in our article on careers after the Ivy League.
Read Also
- How to Get into MIT: A Guide for International Students
- Best Technology Universities in the USA: Top 50
- The US University Application Process: A Complete Guide
- How Much Does it Cost to Study in the USA: A Detailed Guide
- Best University in the USA: Harvard, MIT, or Stanford?
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Caltech
How many students does Caltech have?
Caltech is one of the smallest research universities in the world: approximately 980 undergraduate students and about 1,400 graduate students, totaling around 2,400 people. This small size means an exceptional faculty-to-student ratio (3:1), close contact with professors, and an intimate atmosphere, but also limited social opportunities compared to larger universities.
What SAT score is needed for Caltech?
The median SAT for admitted students is 1530-1580, with a median SAT Math score close to 800 (a perfect score). Caltech requires SAT or ACT scores (test-required). For an international candidate, a recommendation is SAT 1540+ with an ideal 800 in mathematics. Practice on okiro.io, and read our SAT guide.
Does Caltech require supplemental essays?
No: Caltech is one of the few top universities that does not require supplemental essays. The only essay you need to write is the main Common Application essay (650 words). This is extremely rare among universities with an acceptance rate below 5%. However, the lack of essays does not mean an easier application: Caltech evaluates you holistically based on grades, test scores, recommendations, and activities.
What is the Honor Code at Caltech?
Caltech’s Honor Code is a system based on trust: “No member of the Caltech community shall take unfair advantage of any other member of the Caltech community.” In practice, this means that exams are take-home and unsupervised – you receive the test, solve it at home within the allotted time, and submit it. No one monitors you. The system is enforced by the student Board of Control. The Honor Code fosters an atmosphere of cooperation rather than competition.
Is Caltech better than MIT?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Caltech is smaller (980 vs. 4,600 undergraduates), more focused on pure sciences, with unique advantages such as JPL/NASA and the Honor Code. MIT is larger, more diverse (strong programs in humanities and business), and need-blind for international students. Choose Caltech for an intimate experience and a deep love for physics/chemistry/planetary sciences; choose MIT for greater diversity and more career options outside academia. Read our comparative article.
Does Caltech offer scholarships for international students?
Caltech is need-aware for international students (your financial situation may influence the admissions decision), but if admitted, it covers 100% of your demonstrated financial need. For families with an income below $75,000, tuition is effectively free. Caltech does not offer merit-based scholarships; aid is exclusively need-based. More information can be found in our scholarship guide.
What is the house system like at Caltech?
Caltech has eight student houses (Blacker, Dabney, Fleming, Lloyd, Page, Ricketts, Avery, Venerable), each with its own identity and traditions. First-year students are assigned to houses through a Rotation process: during the first week, you visit all houses, and based on mutual preferences, you are assigned. The houses are the center of social life, with their own kitchens, events, traditions, and budgets. Students often describe their house as their “family at Caltech.”
What is JPL and how is it connected to Caltech?
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a NASA research center managed by Caltech since 1958. JPL designs and controls space missions, including the Perseverance rover on Mars, the Europa Clipper probe (Jupiter), and space telescopes. Caltech students have unique access to JPL: they can work there through internships, SURF, and research projects. No other university in the world has such a direct connection to a space agency.
