About the University
Established as a preparatory and vocational school by Amos G. Throop in 1891, Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions and pressing societal challenges.
The Institute manages JPL for NASA, sending probes to explore the planets of our solar system and quantify changes on our home planet. Caltech also owns and operates large-scale research facilities such as the Seismological Laboratory and a global network of astronomical observatories, including the Palomar and W. M. Keck Observatories; and cofounded and comanages LIGO.
Overview
Location: Pasadena, California, United States
Type: Private research university
Founded: 1891
Tuition: $86,886
Fun Facts
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Caltech boasts a prestigious association with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Located in Pasadena, California, Caltech operates JPL under a contract with NASA. This partnership has yielded some of the most groundbreaking and iconic missions in space exploration history.
39 Nobel Laureates
Caltech has a remarkable history of academic excellence and scientific achievement. It had produced an impressive 39 Nobel Laureates. These laureates have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to various fields, including physics, chemistry, and economics.
The California Institute of Technology has produced 39 Nobel Laureates.
World’s largest optical telescope
Caltech, in partnership with the University of California and NASA, manages and operates the W. M. Keck Observatory, which houses some of the world's most advanced optical and infrared telescopes.
The Big Bang Theory Set
The Big Bang Theory, which is set at Caltech, taped an episode on campus that featured a cameo appearance by world-renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking
"Ride of the Valkyries"
The tradition of playing Richard Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" at full volume every morning during finals week is an adrenaline-pumping and unique ritual that adds a dramatic flair to the challenging academic period. As the clock strikes 7 a.m., the powerful and iconic music resonates across campus, awakening students with its thunderous crescendos and stirring melodies
Pumpkin Drop
The annual Pumpkin Drop takes place at midnight on Halloween, when students drop pumpkins frozen in liquid nitrogen from the top of Millikan Library to see if they’ll give off a brief glow as they hit the ground and shatter.
Academics
Graduation Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 98%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 3:1
Admissions
Average SAT | 1530-1580 |
Average ACT | 35-36 |
Average IELTS | 7.0 |
Average TOEFL | 110 |
College Board Code | 4034 |
Application Deadline | January |
Application Requirements
Common Application
Academic Transcripts
Teacher Evaluations
English Proficiency Exam Scores
International Financial Aid Statement of Intent
Essays
Portfolio
Rankings
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is one of the top private universities in Pasadena, United States. It is ranked #15 in QS World University Rankings 2024 and #7 in National Universities by US News.
Majors Available
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Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General
Astrophysics
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D
E
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The Headmaster Student Experience
"Personally, Caltech is one of the greatest schools one could go to! Great research opportunities, faculty and resources make up Caltech. Academics are tough most of the time, but if you're willing to put in the hard work, it's one rewarding experience! Furthermore, it is the incredible people around that make it such a worthwhile experience."
Headmaster Student
Famous Alumni
Sources
---. “19 Intriguing Facts about California Institute of Technology (Caltech).” Facts.net. Facts.net, 24 Sept. 2023. Web. 29 Sept. 2023.
“32 Interesting Facts about Baylor University - World’s Facts.” World’s Facts - Facts about Things in the World. 13 Mar. 2023. Web. 29 Sept. 2023.
Arambula, Cristie. “19 Intriguing Facts about California Institute of Technology (Caltech).” Facts.net. Facts.net, 24 Sept. 2023. Web. 29 Sept. 2023.
“California Institute of Technology (Caltech).” Top Universities. n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2023.
“California Institute of Technology.” BigFuture. n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2023.
“College Facts Friday: Caltech.” Insight Education. 20 Nov. 2019. Web. 29 Sept. 2023.
“College News and Fun Facts: California Institute of Technology (Caltech).” IvyClimbing Education Services. 5 Feb. 2020. Web. 29 Sept. 2023.
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