Caltech acceptance rate 2025

Quick Answer

California Institute of Technology maintains one of the most selective acceptance rates in the nation at just 2.57% for the 2025 admissions cycle. With a tuition of $65,898 per year, Caltech’s average net price after financial aid is $16,075, making it accessible despite the sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $128,566 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the institution’s reputation for producing leaders in science, engineering, and technology fields.

Acceptance Snapshot

Caltech’s 2025 acceptance rate of 2.57% places it among the most highly selective institutions in the United States. This extraordinarily competitive rate reflects the institute’s rigorous academic standards and its focus on admitting students with exceptional aptitude in mathematics, science, and engineering.

The acceptance rate has remained consistently low year over year, as Caltech receives applications from top-performing students worldwide but maintains a small, highly curated student body. With only 987 total students enrolled, Caltech prioritizes quality and fit over enrollment volume, ensuring that admitted students can thrive in its intensive academic environment.

This ultra-selective admissions process means that strong grades and test scores alone are not sufficient for admission. The institute evaluates applications holistically, considering demonstrated passion for science and engineering, research experience, and potential for significant contributions to their fields.

SAT & ACT Scores

While specific 25th-75th percentile score ranges for the 2025 cycle were not available in the current data snapshot, admitted students to Caltech historically score in the highest ranges on standardized tests. The institute requires either the SAT or ACT and strongly encourages submission of SAT Subject Tests or AP scores as evidence of advanced coursework in mathematics and science.

Prospective applicants should prepare thoroughly for standardized testing, as competitive applicants typically score in the 99th percentile nationally. For the most current score ranges for admitted students, prospective applicants should consult Caltech’s official admissions website or contact the admissions office directly.

Tuition & Costs

Caltech’s tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year is $65,898, with no distinction between in-state and out-of-state rates. This comprehensive tuition covers instruction and most fees.

The total cost of attendance includes tuition, room and board, books, and personal expenses. However, it’s important to note that Caltech’s average net price after financial aid is significantly lower at $16,075, demonstrating the institute’s commitment to making education affordable for admitted students regardless of family income.

Financial Aid Overview

Caltech is committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted students. The average net price of $16,075 represents what students pay after accounting for grants and other aid, making Caltech one of the most affordable elite institutions for families who qualify for need-based assistance.

The institute practices need-blind admissions for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, meaning financial circumstances do not affect admission decisions. International students should contact the financial aid office for information about aid availability.

Caltech’s financial aid packages primarily consist of grants (which do not require repayment) rather than loans, reducing the burden of student debt upon graduation. For specific information about aid eligibility and application procedures, students should review Caltech’s financial aid website or contact the Office of Financial Aid directly.

Graduation Rates

Caltech maintains an exceptional 6-year graduation rate of 93.76%, reflecting the institute’s supportive academic environment and the commitment of its student body. This rate significantly exceeds the national average for four-year institutions and demonstrates Caltech’s effectiveness in helping students complete their degrees.

The high graduation rate is supported by Caltech’s small class sizes, extensive mentoring from faculty, and robust academic support services. The institute’s house system also fosters community and provides peer support that contributes to student success and persistence.

Post-Graduation Earnings

Caltech graduates earn a median of $128,566 ten years after enrollment, substantially above the national average and reflecting the strong demand for Caltech-trained engineers and scientists in the job market. This earning potential represents a significant return on investment, particularly when considering Caltech’s generous financial aid that reduces the average net cost of attendance.

The strong earnings outcomes reflect Caltech’s rigorous curriculum, world-class faculty, and extensive network of alumni in leadership positions across technology, academia, and industry. Graduates pursue careers in fields including aerospace engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, and biology, among others.

Popular Majors

Data on the specific distribution of degrees by major for the 2025 cycle was not available in the current dataset. However, Caltech is renowned for its programs in engineering, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Prospective students interested in learning about specific majors and degree offerings should consult Caltech’s academic divisions or contact the admissions office for detailed program information.

Demographics

Detailed demographic breakdowns by race/ethnicity and gender for the current enrollment were not available in the provided dataset. For current enrollment demographics, prospective students and researchers should consult Caltech’s institutional research office or the College Scorecard website, which provides updated demographic data for all institutions.

Caltech is committed to building a diverse student body and actively works to recruit talented students from underrepresented backgrounds in science and engineering. Information about diversity initiatives and support programs is available on the institute’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caltech’s acceptance rate for 2025?

Caltech’s acceptance rate for 2025 is 2.57%, making it one of the most selective institutions in the world. This means that fewer than 3 out of every 100 applicants are admitted.

How much does it cost to attend Caltech?

Tuition is $65,898 per year. However, the average net price after financial aid is $16,075, making Caltech significantly more affordable than the sticker price suggests. Caltech meets the full demonstrated financial need of admitted students.

What SAT and ACT scores do I need for Caltech?

While specific score ranges were not available in the current data, admitted students to Caltech typically score in the 99th percentile nationally on standardized tests. Prospective applicants should aim for near-perfect scores and should consult Caltech’s admissions website for the most current information about score ranges for admitted students.

What is Caltech’s graduation rate?

Caltech’s 6-year graduation rate is 93.76%, which is significantly higher than the national average and reflects the institute’s strong academic support and student commitment.

How much do Caltech graduates earn after graduation?

Caltech graduates earn a median of $128,566 ten years after enrollment, substantially above the national average. This reflects strong demand for Caltech-trained professionals in engineering, science, and technology fields.

Does Caltech offer financial aid to international students?

Caltech practices need-blind admissions for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International students should contact the Office of Financial Aid for information about aid availability and application procedures.

What is the student population at Caltech?

Caltech has a total enrollment of 987 students, making it one of the smallest elite research universities in the United States. This small size allows for close faculty-student interaction and personalized educational experiences.

How selective is Caltech compared to other universities?

With a 2.57% acceptance rate, Caltech is among the most selective institutions in the United States, comparable to other top-tier research universities. The institute’s focus on science and engineering, combined with its small size, contributes to its highly competitive admissions process.

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Data Sources

The statistics and figures in this article are sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, with data current as of April 2026. Readers are encouraged to verify current tuition, financial aid, and admissions information directly with California Institute of Technology’s official website and admissions office, as institutional data is updated regularly.