Understanding Caltech's Out-of-State Tuition Costs

For students considering the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), understanding the cost of attendance is a crucial first step. Caltech, renowned for its science and engineering programs, attracts students from across the globe, making its out-of-state tuition a significant factor for many applicants. This article breaks down the various components of Caltech's out-of-state tuition, fees, and related expenses, while also exploring financial aid options to help manage these costs.

The Sticker Price: Tuition and Fees

The combined tuition and fees at Caltech for the 2020-2021 academic year was $58,680 for undergraduates, regardless of their state of residency. This figure comprised $56,364 for tuition and $2,316 for fees. It's important to note that this number represents the "sticker price" and does not include room and board or other living expenses.

How Caltech Compares Nationally

Caltech's out-of-state tuition and fees are considerably higher than the national average. With yearly out-of-state tuition and fees costs for undergraduates at $58,680, Caltech is more expensive than many other schools across the United States. The national out-of-state average for tuition and fees is $19,933 a year.

Projected Tuition Increases

It's essential to factor in potential cost increases. If historical growth rates continue, the estimated tuition and fees for an upcoming year could rise to $63,311. Based on this rate, the total cost of tuition and fees for two years at Caltech is estimated to be $129,074, and for four years, $268,335.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond tuition and fees, students should budget for additional costs such as room and board, transportation, and books. At Caltech, the total cost, including the sticker price, food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, amounts to $90,822.

Detailed Breakdown of Estimated Costs for 2025-2026

The following table outlines the estimated nine-month, full-time cost of attendance budget generally applicable to Caltech undergraduate students enrolled in the 2025-26 school year:

Fees: It's important to note that these fees do not include the Caltech Student Health Insurance Plan. Students can waive this plan if they have comparable coverage. The health insurance plan will cost $5,049 for the 2025-26 school year, which is $1,683 per Insurance Term. Dental insurance is $135 and vision insurance is $30.96 for 2025-26 school year, one-time fee in Fall term.
Orientation Fee: All entering undergraduate students are charged a one-time $500 Orientation Fee in addition to the mandatory fees applicable to all undergraduate students.
Personal Computer: A reasonable allowance for purchasing a personal computer may be added to the estimated cost upon request.
General Deposit: Each new student is required to pay a general deposit of $100.
Transact Payment Plan: The tuition and fees charge for all students is payable in full before the first day of classes unless the student enrolls in the Transact Payment Plan Option per term. The fee to enroll in the plan is $35.00 per term. Enrollment dates only: Fall Term - 9/11/2025-9/24/2025, Winter Term - 12/11/2025-12/24/2025, and Spring Term 3/11/2026-3/24/2026.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Financial aid can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost of attending Caltech. Financial aid packages may include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs.

Types of Aid Available

Need-Based Scholarships and Grants: These are awarded based on a student’s financial status and do not need to be repaid.
Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded for academic or athletic achievement, these scholarships also do not require repayment.
Student Loans: Sums of money given to students to help them pay for college now, which must be paid back later with interest.
Work-Study Programs: These programs allow students to work part-time to earn money for college expenses.

Caltech's Commitment to Financial Aid

Caltech has a strong commitment to meeting the financial needs of its students. In fall 2023, 49% of first-year students received need-based financial aid. The institution met 100% of its students’ financial aid need. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Caltech was $73,312. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $3,243.

Financial Aid Statistics

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 50%
Average Aid Package: $74,780
Average Net Price: $23,397 per year

Important Financial Aid Dates

Financial Aid Application Due: March 2
Priority Application Due: March 16
Notification Date: April 15

Applying before the priority deadline gives applicants the strongest consideration for aid.

Net Price and Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

The net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships received. It’s specific to each student based on their individual circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Caltech provides a Net Price calculator to help estimate this cost.

Read also: Applying to Caltech

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is an estimate of how much a family can afford to pay for college, as determined by the US government. Colleges use this number as a guideline when deciding how much aid to offer. If the net price is higher than the EFC, the school will cost more than a family can typically afford.

Student Loan Debt

Student loan debt can significantly impact a graduate's financial life. Ideally, total student loan debt should be less than the anticipated starting salary after graduation.

Average Debt at Graduation

Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class: $16,168
Graduating Students Who Have Borrowed (Any Loan Type, 2024): 24%

Private Loans

Additionally, 2% of graduating students at Caltech took out private loans, with an average of $45,030 in private loan debt at graduation.

Tuition for Baccalaureate Degree

Tuition for the baccalaureate degree is based on four years (12 terms) of academic enrollment, regardless of unit load each term or if a student completes graduation requirements a term(s) early. The 12-term academic enrollment requirement is separate from and in addition to any other degree requirements. Official study abroad programs listed in the Catalog fulfill one term of the 12-term requirement.

Since a Caltech degree is based on a four-year enrollment requirement, entering students should expect to be on campus and in person and to be billed tuition for a full four years. Any exceptions must be approved by the dean of undergraduate students and the vice president for student affairs.

Underload Policy

Students who register for less than 36 units (”Underload”) will not receive a reduction of tuition. Full tuition will be charged to underloading students’ accounts. Also, applicable financial aid will be reduced, in underload situations.

For those undergraduate students who are eligible for underloading after completing 12 terms or by approved medical exception, the tuition will be adjusted after Add Day at the AY2025-26 rate of $608 per unit plus $862 for student fees per term. Any student who wishes to carry fewer than 36 units in any given term must petition for an underload. Underloads must be approved by the Deans. Underloads for graduating seniors must be approved by the Registrar.

Withdrawal and Refunds

When a student withdraws from Caltech during an academic term, a refund of tuition as well as housing and food, if applicable, is calculated. The amount of refund is determined by how much of the term has elapsed. If the student is a recipient of student financial assistance, that assistance, if applicable, will be reduced as a result of their withdrawal.

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