California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, United States
PasadenaπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
North America QS 2025 #10

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, United States

Undergraduate strengths: Physics, Engineering, Astronomy, Chemistry. Taught primarily in English.

Official site
The decision

Is California Institute of Technology right for you?

Best for students who

  • want strong academics without an all-or-nothing admissions race
  • want research intensity and to be taught by people writing the field
  • like a mid-sized city β€” city amenities without big-city costs
  • are targeting high graduate earnings early in your career
  • are set on Physics, Engineering, Astronomy

Maybe not for you if you

  • are on a tight budget without scholarship funding
  • want a subject well outside Physics or Engineering

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Undergraduate courses

0 in RightChoice

We don't yet hold verified course-level data for California Institute of Technology. Rather than estimate it, we show nothing β€” check the university's official undergraduate course list for degree-by-degree entry requirements.

Undergraduate entry requirements

SAT 1530+; STEM-intensive.

Entry requirements last verified 15 February 2026.

What these grades mean
  • SAT β€” US college admissions test, scored 400-1600. Top US schools cluster at 1450+.

Costs (per year)

  • Annual undergraduate tuition (international): €55,000 – €60,000
  • Annual undergraduate tuition (home): €9,000–€14,000
  • Living: €18,000 – €24,000

Home fees are typical national rates. Fees last verified 15 February 2026 β€” always confirm on the official site.

Top employers & salary

NASA JPLGoogleIntel

Salary data last verified 15 February 2026.

Typical graduate salary: €95,000–€150,000/yr

Housing & city

Student wellbeing

Most universities provide free or low-cost counselling, GP access for international students, and dedicated international-student offices for visa and settling-in support. Look for the "Student Services" or "Wellbeing" section on the official site for the latest hours and contacts.

Clubs & activities

Expect 100+ student societies covering sport, debate, performing arts, entrepreneurship, faith, and culture. Major intake fairs run in the first weeks of term β€” joining one society early is the fastest way to build a friend group abroad.

Around campus & Pasadena

Pasadena campusPasadena libraryPasadena cityPasadena students

Useful links

Visa β€” United States

F-1 student visa

For full-time academic study at an SEVP-approved school. You'll need an I-20 form from your university before applying.

Varies by embassy β€” 2 weeks to 3 months $185 visa fee + $350 SEVIS I-901 fee
  • Form I-20 from the university
  • SEVIS I-901 fee payment
  • DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application
  • Proof of funds (tuition + living)
  • Embassy interview
  • Valid passport (6 months beyond stay)

Closest airports

  • LAX Β· Los Angeles International
    ~45 km from Pasadena
    Site

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