Afford

The Caltech Commitment

At Caltech, we invest in our students, in their education, and, in doing so, all of our future.

The Institute meets 100% of students' demonstrated financial need and we do not consider domestic students' financial resources, or their ability to pay tuition, at any point in the admissions process.

Caltech Admissions is need-blind for domestic students (including undocumented and DACA students who graduate from a U.S. high school). We are need-aware for international students because the total amount of financial aid funds for international students is limited.

Caltech's Approach to Financial Aid

We're committed to providing you with a financial aid package that fully meets your demonstrated financial need. Through a combination of different types of aid, admitted Caltech students who applied for financial aid will receive scholarships and grants (which are gifts and do not have to be paid back), work-study and loans to meet their level of financial need.

Caltech does not award merit scholarships. Financial aid is need-based to ensure our commitment to low- and middle-income families.

Affording Caltech

We meet 100% of a student's demonstrated financial need through grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.

• For the incoming fall 2024 class, the average grant aid was just under $73,000
• The average loan indebtedness for the Class of 2023 was approximately $16,000
• Most students from families making less than $200,000 (with typical assets) can expect an aid package that covers tuition

Caltech is also committed to meeting the needs of low- and middle-income families and have done so in several ways:

• Awarding student scholarships based exclusively on financial need (you're also welcome and encouraged to apply for outside scholarships
• Most students from families making less than $100,000 (with typical assets) can expect a no-loan financial aid package that covers tuition, fees, housing, and food
• Since 2021, Caltech has increased significantly its investments in our students and families, investing millions of dollars more in annual financial aid and support packages
• At least 20% of first-year students in the past three incoming classes were Pell eligible students

Determining Family Contribution

Caltech will estimate your family's ability to contribute to your education expenses on a yearly basis, based on the financial and household information you provide in your financial aid application. The need analysis formula takes into account many factors, some of which include income, assets (not including retirement assets or the value of your primary residence), certain expenses (e.g. medical expenses), and family size.

If you'd like an estimate of your family's expected family contribution, please use our Net Price Calculator.

Cost Calculators

Use the calculators below to get a sense of how much a Caltech education might cost for you and your family. Use the net price calculator to see what students with a similar financial profile have paid to go to Caltech, taking into account grants and scholarships. Use our MyinTuition tool to anticipate your college costs and estimate your eligibility for need-based scholarships at Caltech by answering six basic financial questions.