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California Institute of Technology (Caltech) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About California Institute of Technology

Tucked near the San Gabriel Mountains, Caltech is known for intense curiosity and patient, exacting work. Students dive deep into physics, engineering, computing, chemistry, biology, and Earth and planetary sciences, with close-knit teaching and research woven into daily life. The culture prizes collaboration, a dry sense of humor, and a trust-based honor ethos. And the residential House system and the famed Ditch Day puzzle tradition give the place its own quirky rhythm.

Campus resources skew serious: advanced labs and observatories, makerspaces and machine shops, a library built for long stretches, tutoring, advising, health and counseling, plus a career center that links students to research groups, startups, and established firms. Clubs span music, robotics, and intramurals, with plenty of late-night builds. Pasadena's tree-lined streets, Old Pasadena's cafes and galleries, nearby trails, and the wider Los Angeles creative tech scene offer internships, fieldwork, and weekend breathing room. Notable alumni include Gordon Moore, Kip Thorne, and Carver Mead.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location: 1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, California, 91125, USA
Website: caltech.edu
Unit ID: 110404

Academic & Institutional

Control: Private non-profit institution (tuition + donations)
Accreditation: WSCUC
Length of Study: Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System: Quarter system (four terms per year: fall, winter, spring, summer)
Award Levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research)
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Doctoral - R1 (Very High Research)
Campus Setting: Located in a midsize city (population between 100,000 and 249,999)
Tuition: In-state: $63,255 (Tuition $60,816 + Fee $2,439) · Out-of-state: $63,255 (Tuition $60,816 + Fee $2,439)
Student Profile:
Total Students: 2,463
Undergraduate: 1,023
Graduate/Other: 1,440
Male: 1,505 Female: 958
Applications:
Total Applicants: 13,107
Admitted: 412
Enrolled: 266
Acceptance: 3.1% Yield: 64.6%
Staff:
Total: 3,295 Full-time: 3,096 Part-time: 199

Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects

Explore degree programs offered at California Institute of Technology (Caltech) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in California. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.

How to use this guide:
Click on any academic field that interests you to expand and view available degree programs. Each program shows potential career paths, median salaries in California vs national averages, and job prospects for graduates. Perfect for answering "What can I do with my degree?" and salary expectations.
Engineering (35)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
14.0101 Engineering, General. (Cert2y+)
A program that generally prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to solve a wide variety of practical problems in industry, social organization, public works, and commerce. Includes instruction in undifferentiated and individualized programs in engineering.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $164,680 -$11,030 (-6.3%)
17-2199 Engineers, All Other $121,720 $98,100 -$23,620 (-19.4%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $128,580 +$9,240 (+7.7%)
14.0201 Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General. (PostBacCert, MSc, FPD)
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of aircraft, missiles, space vehicles, and their systems; applied research on flight and orbital characteristics; and the development of systems and procedures for the launching, guidance, and control of air and space vehicles.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $164,680 -$11,030 (-6.3%)
17-2011 Aerospace Engineers $141,180 $138,660 -$2,520 (-1.8%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $128,580 +$9,240 (+7.7%)
14.0501 Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of biomedical and health systems and products such as integrated biomedical systems, instrumentation, medical information systems, artificial organs and prostheses, and health management and care delivery systems.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $164,680 -$11,030 (-6.3%)
17-2031 Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $115,020 $127,140 +$12,120 (+10.5%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $128,580 +$9,240 (+7.7%)
14.0701 Chemical Engineering. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of systems employing chemical processes, such as chemical reactors, kinetic systems, electrochemical systems, energy conservation processes, heat and mass transfer systems, and separation processes; and the applied analysis of chemical problems such as corrosion, particle abrasion, energy loss, pollution, and fluid mechanics.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $164,680 -$11,030 (-6.3%)
17-2041 Chemical Engineers $128,430 $151,340 +$22,910 (+17.8%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $128,580 +$9,240 (+7.7%)
14.0801 Civil Engineering, General. (PostBacCert, MSc, FPD)
A program that generally prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of structural, load-bearing, material moving, transportation, water resource, and material control systems; and environmental safety measures.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $164,680 -$11,030 (-6.3%)
17-2051 Civil Engineers $107,050 $105,050 -$2,000 (-1.9%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $128,580 +$9,240 (+7.7%)
14.1001 Electrical and Electronics Engineering. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, MSc, FPD)
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of electrical and electronic systems and their components, including electrical power generation systems; and the analysis of problems such as superconductor, wave propagation, energy storage and retrieval, and reception and amplification.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $164,680 -$11,030 (-6.3%)
17-2011 Aerospace Engineers $141,180 $138,660 -$2,520 (-1.8%)
17-2061 Computer Hardware Engineers $156,770 $166,700 +$9,930 (+6.3%)
17-2071 Electrical Engineers $120,980 $120,930 -$50 (+-0%)
17-2072 Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $132,500 $118,820 -$13,680 (-10.3%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $128,580 +$9,240 (+7.7%)
14.1101 Engineering Mechanics. (PostBacCert, FPD)
A program with a general focus on the application of the mathematical and scientific principles of classical mechanics to the analysis and evaluation of the behavior of structures, forces and materials in engineering problems. Includes instruction in statics, kinetics, dynamics, kinematics, celestial mechanics, stress and failure, and electromagnetism.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $164,680 -$11,030 (-6.3%)
17-2141 Mechanical Engineers $110,080 $97,480 -$12,600 (-11.4%)
17-2199 Engineers, All Other $121,720 $98,100 -$23,620 (-19.4%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $128,580 +$9,240 (+7.7%)
14.1201 Engineering Physics/Applied Physics. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A program focusing on the use of physics principles in the analysis and evaluation of engineering problems and other scientific applications. Includes instruction in high- and low-temperature phenomena, computational physics, superconductivity, applied thermodynamics, molecular and particle physics applications, and space science research.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $164,680 -$11,030 (-6.3%)
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
17-2199 Engineers, All Other $121,720 $98,100 -$23,620 (-19.4%)
19-2012 Physicists $166,000 $202,760 +$36,760 (+22.1%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $128,580 +$9,240 (+7.7%)
14.1401 Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of systems for controlling contained living environments and for monitoring and controlling factors in the external natural environment, including pollution control, waste and hazardous material disposal, health and safety protection, conservation, life support, and requirements for protection of special materials and related work environments.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $164,680 -$11,030 (-6.3%)
17-2081 Environmental Engineers $110,570 $120,370 +$9,800 (+8.9%)
17-2111 Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $113,770 $117,900 +$4,130 (+3.6%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $128,580 +$9,240 (+7.7%)
14.1801 Materials Engineering. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, MSc, FPD)
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and materials science principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of materials and related processes used in manufacturing in a wide variety of settings; the synthesis of new industrial materials, including marrying and bonding composites; analysis of materials requirements and specifications; and related problems of system design dependent on materials factors.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $164,680 -$11,030 (-6.3%)
13-1051 Cost Estimators $83,160 $87,950 +$4,790 (+5.8%)
17-2131 Materials Engineers $116,380 $112,340 -$4,040 (-3.5%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $128,580 +$9,240 (+7.7%)
14.1901 Mechanical Engineering. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, MSc, FPD)
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of physical systems used in manufacturing and end-product systems used for specific uses, including machine tools, jigs and other manufacturing equipment; stationary power units and appliances; engines; self-propelled vehicles; housings and containers; hydraulic and electric systems for controlling movement; and the integration of computers and remote control with operating systems.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $164,680 -$11,030 (-6.3%)
13-1051 Cost Estimators $83,160 $87,950 +$4,790 (+5.8%)
17-2011 Aerospace Engineers $141,180 $138,660 -$2,520 (-1.8%)
17-2141 Mechanical Engineers $110,080 $97,480 -$12,600 (-11.4%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $128,580 +$9,240 (+7.7%)
14.2701 Systems Engineering. (PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of total systems solutions to a wide variety of engineering problems, including the integration of human, physical, energy, communications, management, and information requirements as needed, and the application of requisite analytical methods to specific situations.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9041 Architectural and Engineering Managers $175,710 $164,680 -$11,030 (-6.3%)
15-1243 Database Architects $142,620 $167,530 +$24,910 (+17.5%)
17-2112 Industrial Engineers $107,900 $98,850 -$9,050 (-8.4%)
17-2199 Engineers, All Other $121,720 $98,100 -$23,620 (-19.4%)
25-1032 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $119,340 $128,580 +$9,240 (+7.7%)
Physical Sciences (21)
Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research
40.0202 Astrophysics. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that focuses on the theoretical and observational study of the structure, properties, and behavior of stars, star systems and clusters, stellar life cycles, and related phenomena. Includes instruction in cosmology, plasma kinetics, stellar physics, convolution and non-equilibrium radiation transfer theory, non-Euclidean geometries, mathematical modeling, galactic structure theory, and relativistic astronomy.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
19-2011 Astronomers $134,430 $141,660 +$7,230 (+5.4%)
19-2012 Physicists $166,000 $202,760 +$36,760 (+22.1%)
25-1051 Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $112,950 $102,020 -$10,930 (-9.7%)
40.0203 Planetary Astronomy and Science. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that focuses on the scientific study of planets, small objects, and related gravitational systems. Includes instruction in the structure and composition of planetary surfaces and interiors, planetary atmospheres, satellites, orbital mechanics, asteroids and comets, solar system evolution and dynamics, planetary evolution, gravitational physics, and radiation physics.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
19-2011 Astronomers $134,430 $141,660 +$7,230 (+5.4%)
25-1051 Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $112,950 $102,020 -$10,930 (-9.7%)
40.0501 Chemistry, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the composition and behavior of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
19-2031 Chemists $95,940 $105,520 +$9,580 (+10%)
19-4013 Food Science Technicians $54,400 $52,880 -$1,520 (-2.8%)
19-4031 Chemical Technicians $61,300 $53,720 -$7,580 (-12.4%)
19-4092 Forensic Science Technicians $75,260 $75,750 +$490 (+0.7%)
25-1052 Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $103,030 $112,470 +$9,440 (+9.2%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $84,540 +$10,840 (+14.7%)
40.0601 Geology/Earth Science, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the earth; the forces acting upon it; and the behavior of the solids, liquids and gases comprising it. Includes instruction in historical geology, geomorphology, and sedimentology, the chemistry of rocks and soils, stratigraphy, mineralogy, petrology, geostatistics, volcanology, glaciology, geophysical principles, and applications to research and industrial problems.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
19-2042 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $111,310 $110,540 -$770 (-0.7%)
19-2043 Hydrologists $98,130 $85,450 -$12,680 (-12.9%)
19-4043 Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians $58,220 $91,530 +$33,310 (+57.2%)
25-1051 Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $112,950 $102,020 -$10,930 (-9.7%)
40.0602 Geochemistry. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the chemical properties and behavior of the silicates and other substances forming, and formed by geomorphological processes of the earth and other planets. Includes instruction in chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium in silicate systems, atomic bonding, isotopic fractionation, geochemical modeling, specimen analysis, and studies of specific organic and inorganic substances.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
19-2042 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $111,310 $110,540 -$770 (-0.7%)
25-1051 Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $112,950 $102,020 -$10,930 (-9.7%)
25-1052 Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $103,030 $112,470 +$9,440 (+9.2%)
40.0603 Geophysics and Seismology. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the physics of solids and its application to the study of the earth and other planets. Includes instruction in gravimetric, seismology, earthquake forecasting, magnetrometry, electrical properties of solid bodies, plate tectonics, active deformation, thermodynamics, remote sensing, geodesy, and laboratory simulations of geological processes.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
19-2042 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $111,310 $110,540 -$770 (-0.7%)
25-1051 Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $112,950 $102,020 -$10,930 (-9.7%)
40.0801 Physics, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of matter and energy, and the formulation and testing of the laws governing the behavior of the matter-energy continuum. Includes instruction in classical and modern physics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, mechanics, wave properties, nuclear processes, relativity and quantum theory, quantitative methods, and laboratory methods.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
19-2012 Physicists $166,000 $202,760 +$36,760 (+22.1%)
25-1054 Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $105,460 $111,030 +$5,570 (+5.3%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $84,540 +$10,840 (+14.7%)
Computer & IT (4)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0401 Information Science/Studies. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the theory, organization, and process of information collection, transmission, and utilization in traditional and electronic forms. Includes instruction in information classification and organization; information storage and processing; transmission, transfer, and signaling; communications and networking; systems planning and design; human interfacing and use analysis; database development; information policy analysis; and related aspects of hardware, software, economics, social factors, and capacity.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers $187,990 $156,900 -$31,090 (-16.5%)
15-1221 Computer and Information Research Scientists $152,310 N/A N/A
15-1243 Database Architects $142,620 $167,530 +$24,910 (+17.5%)
15-1252 Software Developers $144,570 $132,770 -$11,800 (-8.2%)
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $91,000 -$20,450 (-18.3%)
15-1299 Computer Occupations, All Other $116,700 $86,380 -$30,320 (-26%)
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $182,140 +$76,310 (+72.1%)
11.0701 Computer Science. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that focuses on computer theory, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. Includes instruction in the principles of computational science, computer development and programming, and applications to a variety of end-use situations.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers $187,990 $156,900 -$31,090 (-16.5%)
15-1212 Information Security Analysts $127,730 $110,500 -$17,230 (-13.5%)
15-1221 Computer and Information Research Scientists $152,310 N/A N/A
15-1231 Computer Network Support Specialists $79,610 $72,290 -$7,320 (-9.2%)
15-1243 Database Architects $142,620 $167,530 +$24,910 (+17.5%)
15-1251 Computer Programmers $103,640 $99,130 -$4,510 (-4.4%)
15-1252 Software Developers $144,570 $132,770 -$11,800 (-8.2%)
15-1253 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $110,260 $123,010 +$12,750 (+11.6%)
15-1254 Web Developers $98,790 $108,450 +$9,660 (+9.8%)
15-1255 Web and Digital Interface Designers $111,450 $91,000 -$20,450 (-18.3%)
15-1299 Computer Occupations, All Other $116,700 $86,380 -$30,320 (-26%)
15-2051 Data Scientists $124,590 $108,000 -$16,590 (-13.3%)
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $182,140 +$76,310 (+72.1%)
Biological Sciences (15)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
26.0101 Biology/Biological Sciences, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A general program of biology at the introductory, basic level or a program in biology or the biological sciences that is undifferentiated as to title or content. Includes instruction in general biology and programs covering a variety of biological specializations.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
19-1029 Biological Scientists, All Other $100,440 $78,200 -$22,240 (-22.1%)
19-1099 Life Scientists, All Other $101,940 $162,990 +$61,050 (+59.9%)
19-4012 Agricultural Technicians $49,680 $55,000 +$5,320 (+10.7%)
19-4013 Food Science Technicians $54,400 $52,880 -$1,520 (-2.8%)
19-4021 Biological Technicians $58,020 $45,440 -$12,580 (-21.7%)
19-4092 Forensic Science Technicians $75,260 $75,750 +$490 (+0.7%)
25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,340 $115,670 +$14,330 (+14.1%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $84,540 +$10,840 (+14.7%)
26.0210 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. (PostBacCert, FPD)
A program of study that combines the biological sub-disciplines of biochemistry and molecular biology. Includes instruction in general biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, genetics, and cellular biology.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
19-1021 Biochemists and Biophysicists $115,570 $136,480 +$20,910 (+18.1%)
19-1029 Biological Scientists, All Other $100,440 $78,200 -$22,240 (-22.1%)
25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,340 $115,670 +$14,330 (+14.1%)
26.0404 Developmental Biology and Embryology. (FPD)
A program that focuses on the scientific study of embryology, development, and growth of animals and human beings. Includes instruction in fertilization, oogenesis, histogenesis, gastrulation, and cell differentiation; embryological development including organ and pattern formation, morphogenesis, gene regulation, cell lineage, and fate maps; disease and defect studies; transgenic and evolutionary models of growth and development; and applications to specific organisms and phyla.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
19-1029 Biological Scientists, All Other $100,440 $78,200 -$22,240 (-22.1%)
19-1042 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $112,690 $129,970 +$17,280 (+15.3%)
25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,340 $115,670 +$14,330 (+14.1%)
25-1071 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $137,900 $153,860 +$15,960 (+11.6%)
26.0406 Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology. (FPD)
An integrated, combined program that focuses on the scientific study of cells, cellular systems, and the molecular basis of cell structure and function. Includes instruction in cell biology, cell chemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, and structural biology.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
19-1029 Biological Scientists, All Other $100,440 $78,200 -$22,240 (-22.1%)
19-1042 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $112,690 $129,970 +$17,280 (+15.3%)
19-4021 Biological Technicians $58,020 $45,440 -$12,580 (-21.7%)
25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,340 $115,670 +$14,330 (+14.1%)
26.0502 Microbiology, General. (FPD)
A program that focuses on the scientific study of unicellular organisms and colonies, and subcellular genetic matter and their ecological interactions with human beings and other life. Includes instruction in microbial genetics, cell biology, cell physiology, virology, pathogenic microbiology, environmental microbiology, immunology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, and laboratory methods including microscopy.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
19-1022 Microbiologists $95,200 $127,290 +$32,090 (+33.7%)
19-4013 Food Science Technicians $54,400 $52,880 -$1,520 (-2.8%)
19-4021 Biological Technicians $58,020 $45,440 -$12,580 (-21.7%)
25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,340 $115,670 +$14,330 (+14.1%)
26.0507 Immunology. (FPD)
A program that focuses on scientific study of the biological mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of disease, host-pathogen interactions, and host response to disease. Includes instruction in antigen and antibody structure and function, effector mechanisms, receptors, histocompatibility, host-pathogen recognition, disease modeling, autoimmune systems, antibody formation, cytotoxic responses, regulation of immune response, virulence determinants, intercellular signaling, immunosuppression, immunotherapy, immunogenetics, disease markers, transplantation, antibody humanization, and microbial pathogenesis.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
19-1022 Microbiologists $95,200 $127,290 +$32,090 (+33.7%)
19-1029 Biological Scientists, All Other $100,440 $78,200 -$22,240 (-22.1%)
19-1042 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $112,690 $129,970 +$17,280 (+15.3%)
25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,340 $115,670 +$14,330 (+14.1%)
26.0801 Genetics, General. (FPD)
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the organization, recombination, function, regulation, and transmission of heritable information in biological organisms at all levels of complexity. Includes instruction in Mendelian genetics, mechanisms of gene regulation, chromosome structure and replication, epigenetic phenomena, DNA repair and recombination, sex determination, genetic interactions between genomes, and molecular evolution.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
19-1029 Biological Scientists, All Other $100,440 $78,200 -$22,240 (-22.1%)
19-4021 Biological Technicians $58,020 $45,440 -$12,580 (-21.7%)
25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,340 $115,670 +$14,330 (+14.1%)
29-9092 Genetic Counselors $102,890 $151,590 +$48,700 (+47.3%)
26.1501 Neuroscience. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that focuses on the interdisciplinary scientific study of the molecular, structural, physiologic, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of the brain and nervous system. Includes instruction in molecular and cellular neuroscience, brain science, anatomy and physiology of the central nervous system, molecular and biochemical bases of information processing, behavioral neuroscience, biology of neuropsychiatric disorders, and applications to the clinical sciences and biomedical engineering.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
19-1029 Biological Scientists, All Other $100,440 $78,200 -$22,240 (-22.1%)
19-4021 Biological Technicians $58,020 $45,440 -$12,580 (-21.7%)
25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,340 $115,670 +$14,330 (+14.1%)
26.1599 Neurobiology and Neurosciences, Other. (PostBacCert, FPD)
Any instructional program in neurobiology and neurosciences not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
19-1029 Biological Scientists, All Other $100,440 $78,200 -$22,240 (-22.1%)
19-1042 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $112,690 $129,970 +$17,280 (+15.3%)
25-1042 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $101,340 $115,670 +$14,330 (+14.1%)
Mathematics (6)
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis
27.0101 Mathematics, General. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A general program that focuses on the analysis of quantities, magnitudes, forms, and their relationships, using symbolic logic and language. Includes instruction in algebra, calculus, functional analysis, geometry, number theory, logic, topology and other mathematical specializations.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
15-2021 Mathematicians $122,520 $155,780 +$33,260 (+27.1%)
15-2041 Statisticians $112,330 $174,200 +$61,870 (+55.1%)
15-2051 Data Scientists $124,590 $108,000 -$16,590 (-13.3%)
15-2099 Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other $84,700 $194,850 +$110,150 (+130%)
25-1022 Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $92,880 $141,680 +$48,800 (+52.5%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $84,540 +$10,840 (+14.7%)
27.0303 Computational Mathematics. (Cert2y+, PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that focuses on the application of mathematics to the theory, architecture, and design of computers, computational techniques, and algorithms. Includes instruction in computer theory, cybernetics, numerical analysis, algorithm development, binary structures, combinatorics, advanced statistics, and related topics.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
15-2021 Mathematicians $122,520 $155,780 +$33,260 (+27.1%)
15-2051 Data Scientists $124,590 $108,000 -$16,590 (-13.3%)
15-2099 Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other $84,700 $194,850 +$110,150 (+130%)
Social Sciences (4)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
45.0601 Economics, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the systematic study of the production, conservation and allocation of resources in conditions of scarcity, together with the organizational frameworks related to these processes. Includes instruction in economic theory, micro- and macroeconomics, comparative economic systems, money and banking systems, international economics, quantitative analytical methods, and applications to specific industries and public policy issues.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $120,240 -$29,650 (-19.8%)
19-3011 Economists $130,910 $148,970 +$18,060 (+13.8%)
19-3022 Survey Researchers $73,470 $115,630 +$42,160 (+57.4%)
19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants $63,560 $57,450 -$6,110 (-9.6%)
25-1063 Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $133,140 $168,300 +$35,160 (+26.4%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $84,540 +$10,840 (+14.7%)
45.0603 Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. (PostBacCert, FPD)
A program that focuses on the systematic study of mathematical and statistical analysis of economic phenomena and problems. Includes instruction in economic statistics, optimization theory, cost/benefit analysis, price theory, economic modeling, and economic forecasting and evaluation.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $120,240 -$29,650 (-19.8%)
15-2041 Statisticians $112,330 $174,200 +$61,870 (+55.1%)
15-2051 Data Scientists $124,590 $108,000 -$16,590 (-13.3%)
19-3011 Economists $130,910 $148,970 +$18,060 (+13.8%)
19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants $63,560 $57,450 -$6,110 (-9.6%)
25-1063 Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $133,140 $168,300 +$35,160 (+26.4%)
45.1001 Political Science and Government, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the systematic study of political institutions and behavior. Includes instruction in political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of the government and politics of specific countries, and studies of specific political institutions and processes.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-9199 Managers, All Other $149,890 $120,240 -$29,650 (-19.8%)
19-3094 Political Scientists $137,600 $132,240 -$5,360 (-3.9%)
19-4061 Social Science Research Assistants $63,560 $57,450 -$6,110 (-9.6%)
25-1065 Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,160 $139,760 +$34,600 (+32.9%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $84,540 +$10,840 (+14.7%)
Interdisciplinary (3)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.0801 Mathematics and Computer Science. (PostBacCert, FPD)
A program with a general synthesis of mathematics and computer science or a specialization which draws from mathematics and computer science.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
11-3021 Computer and Information Systems Managers $187,990 $156,900 -$31,090 (-16.5%)
11-9121 Natural Sciences Managers $173,500 $115,520 -$57,980 (-33.4%)
15-1252 Software Developers $144,570 $132,770 -$11,800 (-8.2%)
15-1299 Computer Occupations, All Other $116,700 $86,380 -$30,320 (-26%)
15-2021 Mathematicians $122,520 $155,780 +$33,260 (+27.1%)
15-2051 Data Scientists $124,590 $108,000 -$16,590 (-13.3%)
15-2099 Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other $84,700 $194,850 +$110,150 (+130%)
25-1021 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,830 $182,140 +$76,310 (+72.1%)
25-1022 Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $92,880 $141,680 +$48,800 (+52.5%)
30.9999 Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. (Cert2y+)
Any instructional program in multi/interdisciplinary studies not listed above.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
99-9999 NO MATCH N/A N/A N/A
Business (1)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0601 Business/Managerial Economics. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on the application of economics principles to the analysis of the organization and operation of business enterprises. Includes instruction in monetary theory, banking and financial systems, theory of competition, pricing theory, wage and salary/incentive theory, analysis of markets, and applications of econometrics and quantitative methods to the study of particular businesses and business problems.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
13-1111 Management Analysts $114,710 $87,720 -$26,990 (-23.5%)
13-2054 Financial Risk Specialists $119,930 $101,790 -$18,140 (-15.1%)
19-3011 Economists $130,910 $148,970 +$18,060 (+13.8%)
19-3022 Survey Researchers $73,470 $115,630 +$42,160 (+57.4%)
25-1063 Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $133,140 $168,300 +$35,160 (+26.4%)
English (1)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
23.0101 English Language and Literature, General. (Cert2y+)
A general program that focuses on the English language, including its history, structure and related communications skills; and the literature and culture of English-speaking peoples.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1123 English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $90,400 $119,170 +$28,770 (+31.8%)
25-2031 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $73,700 $84,540 +$10,840 (+14.7%)
43-9081 Proofreaders and Copy Markers $52,730 $66,770 +$14,040 (+26.6%)
Philosophy (1)
Philosophical Studies, Ethics and Religious Thought
38.0101 Philosophy. (Cert2y+)
A program that focuses on ideas and their logical structure, including arguments and investigations about abstract and real phenomena. Includes instruction in logic, ethics, aesthetics, epistemology, metaphysics, symbolism, and history of philosophy, and applications to the theoretical foundations and methods of other disciplines.

Graduate Career Earnings in California

Average graduate salary for this degree:
SOC Code Occupation US National California Avg CA vs US
25-1126 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $88,210 $113,290 +$25,080 (+28.4%)

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$86,886
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$86,886
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$63,255
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$63,255
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$19,503 (on) / $19,431 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,428
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$2,700 (on) / $6,192 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$5,220
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$63,063
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$63,063
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

23%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$60,201
Avg. Loan
$10,614
Avg. Federal Loan
$5,378
Additional
Students with Any Grant
124
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
37
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
56
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$56,342
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

93%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
98%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$78,105 – $225,460
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$78,105 (25th %) $225,460 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $128,566
Median Salary After 6 Years
$132,140
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$128,566
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
N/A
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
N/A
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
N/A
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Repayment by Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

How much does it cost to attend California Institute of Technology (Caltech)?

The annual tuition at California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is $63,255 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $86,886 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $19,503 (on) / $19,431 (off) and books and supplies $1,428.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does California Institute of Technology offer?

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) offers 97 academic programs across 11 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Research).

Most popular program areas include:

  • Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions (35 programs)
  • Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences Research (21 programs)
  • Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (15 programs)
  • Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Computational Analysis (6 programs)
  • Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (4 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for California Institute of Technology?

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has an 3.1% acceptance rate and a 64.6% yield rate, making it highly selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 13,107
  • Students admitted: 412
  • Students enrolled: 266

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at California Institute of Technology?

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) provides financial aid to 23% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $60,201 and average loans of $10,614.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $5,774
  • State/Local grants: $8,073
  • Institutional grants: $56,342
  • Federal loans: $5,378

The university supports 124 students with grants and 37 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for California Institute of Technology graduates?

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) graduates earn a median salary of $132,140 after 6 years and $128,566 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $78,105 (25th percentile) to $225,460 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

Campus map for California Lutheran University
California Lutheran University
60 W Olsen Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2787
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California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
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Alliant International University, San Diego
10455 Pomerado Road, San Diego, CA 92131
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