California Institute of Technology SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At Caltech, the 2.6% admit rate makes a high score a positioning tool, even with test-optional policies. Aim for the mid-1500s on the SAT or a 35+ ACT so your testing matches the academic level Caltech expects.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
California Institute of Technology facts and stats
California Institute of Technology enrolls 987 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Caltech has a 97% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 94% 6-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 3:1.
Pasadena, CA
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Key California Institute of Technology application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 3
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to Caltech, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year and reserve the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes. For the November 1 Early Action deadline, October is typically the last retake that can arrive in time, so use earlier retakes to build a stronger superscore.
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What you'll actually pay
Caltech is private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $65,898, and 49% of students receive aid. Submit the FAFSA by the March 15 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.
Caltech’s listed cost of attendance is $86,181, including $65,898 in tuition and fees and $20,283 for room and board. Financial aid can significantly reduce that price for qualifying students, with 49% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $74,780. For context, the average debt at graduation is $16,168.
Student life at California Institute of Technology
90% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CAAcceptance rate: 100%
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CAAcceptance rate: 81.5%
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 84.9%
American River College
Sacramento, CAAcceptance rate: 63%
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