
1200 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91125-0001, USA


The cost of attending California Institute of Technology is notably high compared to average tuition rates across the United States. The undergraduate and graduate full-time tuition stands at $60,816, placing it within the top 5% of most expensive institutions nationally. Fees add an additional $2,439 for undergraduates and $2,247 for graduate students, both levels considered high relative to the broader market.
The combined tuition and fees total approximately $68,208 annually, a figure that also ranks in the top 5% in terms of expense. When juxtaposed with the average total cost of attendance at private non-profit four-year colleges, which is $54,501 per year, California Institute of Technology exceeds this benchmark significantly.
Housing and meal plans contribute substantially to the overall cost. The room charge is $12,105 and the board charge is $8,886, with room costs categorized as high and board costs as very high among comparable institutions. Together, room and board amount to $20,991 annually, adding a considerable burden to students' yearly expenses.
The cost of books and supplies is $1,428, which falls into the average range and is within the top 40% nationally. Taking all expenses into account, including tuition, fees, room, board, and books, the total annual cost exceeds $90,000.
By comparison, students at four-year public colleges pay on average $25,707 (in-state) or $44,014 (out-of-state) annually, while public two-year colleges average significantly less at $15,862 total costs. Thus, the financial commitment required at California Institute of Technology is considerably greater than the national averages for public and private institutions alike.
California Institute of Technology offers a variety of work-study opportunities aimed at supporting students financially while gaining valuable work experience. Eligible students can participate in on-campus jobs, which are designed to accommodate academic schedules and provide practical skills relevant to their fields of study. These positions typically include roles in research laboratories, administrative offices, and campus services.
On average, students employed through work-study programs at the institution earn wages that align with federal guidelines, often ranging from the federal minimum wage to competitive pay depending on the position and skill requirements. This pay supplements their financial aid packages and helps cover living expenses during their studies.
Internships associated with the institute also serve as a crucial avenue for students to integrate academic learning with professional development, though these are generally separate from the work-study program and may or may not offer compensation depending on the sponsoring organization.
For international students, California Institute of Technology provides access to certain on-campus employment opportunities that comply with visa regulations, enabling them to partake in work-study roles that help offset educational costs without violating immigration policies.
Typical room charge for academic year
$12,105Typical board charge for academic year
$8,886Institution provide on-campus housing
YesInstitution provides board or meal plan
Data not availableAny alternative tuition plans offered by institution
Data not availableTuition guaranteed plan
NoPrepaid tuition plan
NoUndergraduate average amount
$52,266All
$60,201Undergraduate average amount
$8,515