Pasadena, CA · Private University
Is Caltech Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$128,566
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$63,255
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$63,255
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$253,020
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.03x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
2.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
93.2%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,902
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
California Institute of Technology graduates earn $83,566 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at California Institute of Technology ranked by graduate earnings
23 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
The Bottom Line
California Institute of Technology stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $128,566 10 years after starting — $83,566 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 2.7 years — faster than most colleges.
Ready to apply to California Institute of Technology?
See your odds of admission based on your GPA and test scores.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.