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California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, California · Private · 987 undergrads

Caltech admits 3.8% of applicants (fall 2025, Common Data Set 2025-26), requires the SAT or ACT for fall 2027, and regular decision is due Jan 4, 2027.

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Can I get into Caltech?

3.8% of applicants get in

Almost everyone who applies is turned down, including many students with perfect grades. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 35–36 on the ACT.

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Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.

11,285 applied, 428 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).

What does Caltech cost?

$8,509 a year

What students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The sticker price, with housing and food, is $90,822.

Tap your family income:

Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000$7,553
$30,000–$48,000$11,452
$48,000–$75,000$4,144
$75,000–$110,000$29,762
over $110,000Not reported

Own a business or have divorced parents? Run Caltech's own calculator.

Net price 2024-25, College Scorecard.

Does Caltech need the SAT or ACT?Required

Yes.

Required for fall 2027. Plan to take the SAT or ACT and send your best score.

Which colleges require scores

Checked on admissions.caltech.edu Nov 2, 2026. See the source

What it's like

987
undergrads. Small, so classes are small and you'll know a lot of faces.
City
Campus setting in Pasadena, CA.
97%
of first-years come back for year two.
79%
finish in four years. 93% within six.
$166.6k
median pay 10 years after starting.
$7.5k
median federal debt at graduation.

Lists Caltech is on

Colleges that require the SAT or ACTColleges due Jan 4Deadlines after Jan 1Most selective in CaliforniaCheapest after aid in CaliforniaCheapest after aid, families $48–75kColleges that meet full need

Questions people ask

Is California Institute of Technology test-optional for fall 2027?
No. Caltech requires the SAT or ACT for students entering in fall 2027. Checked on admissions.caltech.edu on Nov 2, 2026.
What is California Institute of Technology's acceptance rate?
3.8% for fall 2025: 428 of 11,285 applicants were admitted (Common Data Set).
How much does California Institute of Technology cost for a family earning $60,000?
Families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $4,144 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $90,822.
When is the California Institute of Technology application deadline for fall 2027?
Restrictive early action closed Nov 1, 2026. Regular decision is due Jan 4, 2027. Checked on admissions.caltech.edu on Nov 5, 2026.
What is California Institute of Technology's graduation rate?
93% of students finish within six years and 79% within four (IPEDS).