California Institute of Technology
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California Institute of Technology (CalTech): Ranking, Courses, Fees, Placements

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  • Private Institute
  • Institute Icon124 acre campus
  • Estd. 1891
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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 17 Dec '24, by Kashish Saini (Study Abroad Expert)

Caltech
What’s new?

What's new at Caltech?

  • Admission for Fall 2024 is now closed for international undergraduate students. The institute will soon open applications for the next season, with Regular Decision Application deadlines of Jan 03, 2025.
  • The Cal Tech application deadlines for international postgraduates vary for various course.

About California Institute of Technology

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Year of establishment
1891
Also known as
Caltech
University website
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Student website
Go to Website Link Arrow Icon
Campus size
124 acres
No. of campus
1
Endowment value
USD 2 billion
Scholarships granted
613
Scholarship amount granted
USD 28 million
Application fees
USD 75
English proficiency test
Required
Accepted exams
SAT/ACT accepted
Not required
Total faculty
932
Faculty/Student ratio
3
Male/Female ratio
0.56
Total criminal offences
216
Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success
UG Race

Others

40%

Asian

34%

Hispanic

22%

Black

3%

UG Student residence

Out of state

57%

In state

28%

Foreign

13%

UG Age distribution

24 and under

99%

UG Applicant Icon

UG Number of Applicant

16626
grad RateIcon

Overall Graduation Rate

0.94
UG Enroll Icon

UG Enrollment

982
PG Enroll Icon

PG Enrollment

1419
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q:   What is the Caltech acceptance rate?

A: 

The Caltech is one of the premere university around the world. As per the various ranking bodies, Caltech is ranked #10 among the top global universities. As per the official enrollment data, Caltech acceptance rate is 3%. The acceptance rate of the university is extremely low, which makes it really difficult to get selected into the university. The university requires its student to be the best in their respective area. To increase the chances of selection, a student should have, high GPA, SAT/GRE scores, work experience. 

Q:   How to apply for the California Institute of Technology from India?

A: 

To apply for Caltech, Indian applicants can follow the below steps:

Below is the application process to apply for Undergraduate Caltech:

Step 1: To apply to Caltech, applicants can choose the Common application or Questbridge application.

Step 2: Check your requirements thoroughly, and see if your current qualifications are recognised. 

Step 3: You should meet the entry requirements checklist before applying: 

  • Transcripts of your high school.

  • A minimum score of 6.5 and above in IELTS

  • SOP

Step 4: Make sure your English requirements meet the standard of the University.

Step 5: You can submit your application after your requirements are ready.

Step 6: The applicant must pay the application fee of USD 75, which will not be refundable. However, if the applicant can’t afford it, they have a process to waive it. ( Check out how you can waive application fees)

Step 7:  After submitting the application, applicants can check their status by logging in with their credentials through common portal. 

Below is the application process to apply for graduate Caltech:

Step 1: To apply to Caltech applicants can choose the Caltech.com 

Step 2: Check your requirements thoroughly, and see if your current qualifications are recognised. 

Step 3: You should meet the entry requirements checklist before applying: 

  • Transcripts of your degree.

  • 6.5 and above in IELTS.

  • A minimum score of 7.5 and above in IELTS

  • SOP ( Things you need to know about  SOP)

  • LOR ( letter of recommendation)

  • Creative Portfolio ( Audition depending on your chosen course )

  • Resume/ CV

Step 4: Make sure your English requirements meet the standard of the University.

Step 5: You can submit your application after your requirements are ready.

Step 6: The applicant must pay the application fee of USD 75, which will not be refundable. However, if the applicant can’t afford it, they have a process to waive it. ( Check out how you can waive application fees)

Step 7:  After submitting the application, applicants can check their status by logging in with their credentials through the Caltech portal.

Q:   Is Caltech an Ivy League?

A: 

Caltech is not an Ivy League school but it tends to enjoy a similar reputation and social status. In regards to Math / Science / Engineering education, Caltech is one of the best institutes to attend. In terms of the quality of the student body and the raw IQ, then also Caltech is a top institute for studies. According to unofficial sources, Caltech trumps every other college in the nation including MIT and Harvard. The sources also claim that students must be smart and clever enough in Math / Science to survive at Caltech.

Q:   What is a good GRE score for Caltech?

A: 

GRE is not highly required for caltech but however it is in certain courses. The University has termed GRE into three segements that is R for required, O for optional and SR for strongry required. Students must read all the requirements of the courses to avoid the last minutre confusion and hassle.

Want to score good in GRE? Check out GRE preparation tips 

Note: To check out which subjects require GRE, applicants must check the admission highlights and click on the GRE pdf caltech

 

Q:   What is Caltech known for?

A: 

Caltech is a distinguished Science and Engineering institute that systematizes some of the brightest minds of the world and the most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions and pressing societal challenges. Also, Caltech owns and operates large-scale research facilities such as the Seismological Laboratory and a global network of astronomical laboratories. Apart from this, it has the lowest student-to-faculty ratio; 3:1, which indicates that students can have an exceptional experience at Caltech and can fully immerse in the research culture of the university and gain close access to the outstanding professors.

Scholarships Offered

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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships

Q:   Does Caltech give scholarships to international students?

A: 
No, Caltech does not give any merit-scholarships. But, it does grants financial aid to international students. To get financial aid, international students can apply as an incoming first-year. As a first-year undergraduate international student, one can receive financial aid only when he / she completes the financial aid application and has the genuine financial need to study.

Q:   How can I improve my chances of getting scholarship at California Institute of Technology?

A: 

Some of the tips to improve your chances of getting scholarship at California Institute of Technology are:

Upcoming Admission Deadlines

  • Application fees :USD 75 - 100
  • Type of deadline :Regular
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNeeded for few courses
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNot required
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
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Calendar IconImportant dates
Intake seasonDeadline
Fall3ʳᵈ Jan - 15ᵗʰ Dec 2025
Admission details of all coursesRight Arrow Icon
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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   What are the Caltech admission requirements for international students for MS course?

A: 

The Caltech is one of the toughest universities to get selected into. To get selected into Caltech as an international student, you need to be best. The Caltech does not mention any specific admission requirements for MS course, but for graduates courses, the admission requirements are given below:

  • Bachelor’s Degree equivalent to US bachelor's degree.
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Letter of intent
  • Documents to support financial capability
  • English language requirements
  • Other course-specific requirements.

Q:   How long does it take to hear back from California Institute of Technology?

A: 

According to the California Institute of Technology admissions department, the decisions regarding the admission and selection of candidates are communicated within 6 weeks of receiving of duly completed application form.

Q:   How are admission applications accepted at California Institute of Technology?

A: 

Applicants can submit Common or Coalition application or QuestBridge application for undergraduate admissions while admission applications are accepted directly through Caltech website for graduate admissions.

Q:   What are the Caltech admission requirements for international students?

A: 

The Caltech admission requirements for international students for UG courses are:

  • Official Transcripts from the last high school attended.
  • Documents to support financial capability.
  • SAT and ACT scores (not mandatory)
  • English language requirements
  • Other course-specific requirements

Caltech graduate eligibility requirements are:

  • Bachelor’s Degree equivalent to US bachelor's degree.
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Letter of intent
  • Documents to support financial capability
  • English language requirements
  • Other course-specific requirements.

Q:   What is the application deadline for the California Institute of Technology?

A: 

International students can apply for Caltech admissions before the deadline to increase their chances of getting into the university. The application deadlines at Caltech are different for both undergraduate and graduate programs for international students. Below are California Institute of Technology admission deadlines:

Action

Application deadline 

Restrictive Early Action Deadline

Nov 1, 2024(Tentative)

Restrictive Early Action decision notifications

Mid December 2024

Regular Decision deadline

Jan 3, 2025(tentative)

Regular Decision notifications

Mid March 2024

Restrictive Early Action and Regular Decision admit reply deadline

1 May 2024

Postgraduation program 

Nov 15, 2024- Jan 1, 2025 (Depends on the course) 

Cost of Attendance

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Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MS(18 courses)
INR 44 L - 53 L
Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL, IELTS, PTE
B.Sc.(13 courses)
INR 53 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL: 100 & Above, SAT, IELTS: 7 & Above
B.E. / B.Tech(7 courses)
INR 51 L - 53 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL: 100 & Above, SAT, IELTS: 7 & Above
B.A.(5 courses)
INR 53 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL: 100 & Above, SAT, IELTS: 7 & Above
BBA(2 courses)
INR 53 L
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedTOEFL, SAT
Read more
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   Is Caltech Expensive for international students?

A: 

The cost of attending the California Institute of Technology can vary depending on the main factors such as accommodation status and individual lifestyle. However, International students considering this university could be a little higher than compared to US  citizens. The MS course first year tuition fees is from INR 49-50L. 

Q:   How much is Caltech's International student fee?

A: 

The Tution fees for international students at the California Institute of Technology can vary depending on the main factors such as course, level of study  (UG and PG) . However, International students considering this university could be a little higher than compared to US  citizens. The UG programme Academic tuition fee for international students is around  ( INR 44.8 L - 46.3 L ) per annum, depending on the course. It’s  (INR 43.1 L - 48 L) for PG programs.

to know more about Caltech courses and fees Click here. 

Q:   What is the acceptance rate for the California Institute of Technology?

A: 

The acceptance rate of the California Institute of Technology is 3%. The university Admission process involves a thorough evaluation process, which means only 4 students are selected out of 100 applicants. This indicates Caltech is a very selective institution. Caltech also Considers academic excellence, essays, Letter of recommendation, SOP, extracurricular activities and many more. Applicants are suggested to approach the admission process with utter dedication, showcasing their strengths and talents to get into Caltech.

Q:   What is Caltech acceptance rate for international students?

A: 

The California Institute of Technology is one of the top ranked university in the world. The univeristy is ranked among the top 10 universities. Being a top ranked university, caltech is one of the difficult universities to get selected into. Although there is no explicit data of Caltech acceptance rate for international students, the gerenal caltech acceptance rate is 3%. To get selected into the university, the students are required to be the best. Having a great academic background, work experience, excellent test scores and timely application are some of the ways to increase chances of getting selected into the Caltech as an international students.

Q:   What are the California Institute of Technology requirements for international students?

A: 

Below are the requirements for international students at the California Institute of Technology:

  • Transcripts of your high school: Transcripts include your information and performance in high school, and Caltech University wants its applicants to have the following:

  1. A four-year maths, including one year of Calculus

  2. 1 year of chemistry

  3. 1 year of physics(preferably Calcus related but not required) 

  • SOP: An SOP is essential for the application process for Caltech It helps the applicant to convey their talents, Academic excellence accomplishments and personal background of applicants.

  • Portfolio:  This depends on the course the applicant chooses, as this is not present in every program. However, having a creative and unique portfolio will help you get into Caltech. 

Click here to: Make your portfolio look better)

  • English requirements: The following table explains the minimum score for each English exam the university is excepting: 

English Language proficiency 

Minimum score 

IELTS

7.5 and above in all bands

Dulingo 

120 and above  (125 recommended) 

TOFEL

100 and above

PG Course Requirements: 

  • LOR: Some programs ask for a LOR, and with particular exceptions, who should write those letters. 

  • Statement of purpose( an SOP): An SOP is essential for the application process for Caltech. It helps the applicant to convey their talents, Academic excellence accomplishments and personal background of applicants. 

  • Transcripts and degrees: the applicant must provide the university with transcripts of their academics with degree certificates. Similarly, applying for PhD or doctoral program may require a master’s degree and transcripts from all graduate institutions of the applicant. 

  • English Language Proficiency exams: The following table explains the minimum score of each English exam the university is expecting: 

English Language proficiency 

Minimum score 

IELTS

7.5 and above in all bands

Dulingo

120 and above 

TOFEL

100 and above

  •     Entrance exam: Graduate school entrance exams are most common, but however, the programs might require different exams from the applicants depending on the course chosen by the individual. 

  • Resume/CV:  The University also might ask you for a CV or a resume depending on the course you choose for professional experience.

Placement Outcome

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Commonly asked questions
On Placements

Q:   What experiences or qualifications helped applicants get into Caltech?

A: 

To be admitted to the Caltech , it is recommended to have a strong academic profile, including competitive scores in the GMAT or GREs.  However, the admission process at Caltech takes a holistic approach, considering multiple factors in the student's profile. These factors include Leadership, Work experience, essays, LOR and interviews that the students give during their admission process. 

Q:   What is the average salary of the graduates of the Caltech?

A: 

The graduates at the Caltech are employed at the best industies in their field. The Califiornia Institute of Technology does not releases data about the students placements and average salary. The average salary as per various unofficial sources is given below:

Jobs

Sample Salary

Executive Management & Change

USD 210,000 or INR 1.74 Cr PA

Financial Services

USD 135,000 or INR 1.12 Cr PA

R&D, Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

USD 128,000 or INR 1.06 Cr PA

Engineering

USD 125,000 or INR 1.03 Cr PA

IT & Software Development

USD 120,000 or INR 99.67 LPA







University Ranking

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Commonly asked questions
On Rankings

Q:   Where is Caltech ranked in the world?

A: 

Caltech University ranking in the world is outstanding as according to QS World University Rankings 2024, it ranks at #15. It was at the #6th position in 2023. In the case of Times Higher Education Rankings, Caltech ranks at #6th position. However, in 2022, in THE rankings, Caltech ranked at #2 position, in the current year rankings, it is still in the top 10 universities worldwide. According to U.S. News & World Report - Global Universities category rankings, Caltech ranks at the #9 position in 2023.

Caltech vs MIT vs Stanford University: Which is better?

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Compare Caltech with other similar colleges

MS
B.Sc.
B.E. / B.Tech
B.A.
BBA
College1st Year Tuition FeesShiksha GradeRanking

Caltech

INR 44.25 L - 53.43 LA++#10 QS, 2025

MIT University

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INR 45.04 L - 70.29 LA++#1 QS, 2025

Stanford University

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INR 29.76 L - 68.65 LA++#6 QS, 2025

Princeton University

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INR 43.71 L - 50.32 LA++#22 QS, 2025
INR 22.59 L - 31.69 LA+#72 QS, 2025

Carnegie Mellon University

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INR 8.9 L - 75.84 LA+#58 QS, 2025
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
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Studying in USA

Key Facts About USA

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in USA
school Key Fact Icon
963+
backpack Key Fact Icon
3.38L
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
20 hours per week
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
12 months
Country stats
mapPin Key Fact Icon
Washington D.C.
keyUsers Key Fact Icon
334.23M (2023)
chartMixed Key Fact Icon
2%
letterA Key Fact Icon
English
Weather
December
CF
Popular LocationsMinMax
Boston-26
New York07
Chicago-33
Los Angeles920
Explore popular study abroad destinations
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Commonly asked questions
On Study in Country

Q:   Which are the top universities in USA for international students?

Q:   What are the requirements to study in USA for international students?

A: 

International students must meet the requirements to study in USA. Students must have a required qualification as per the programme and submit the test score during the process. Check below the English language test and additional tests accepted by US Universities:

Entrance Exam

Count of Universities

GRE

497

PTE

496

GMAT

431

ACT

28

 

English Language Exams

Count of Universities

PTE

950

IELTS

864

PTE

434

Duolingo

349

Q:   What is the cost of living in USA for International students?

A: 

On average, a student spends approximately INR 93,000 in a month to fulfil living costs in USA. The cost of living in USA is 224.3% higher than the cost of living in India also the rent in USA is 769.9% higher than in India. Thus, it is natural that the cost of living in the USA is very high for an Indian student. The table given below specifies the estimated student cost of living in the USA that is based on different expenses.

Expenses in USA

Average Yearly / Monthly cost

Books and study material

USD 900 - 2,000 per year

Travel

USD 300 - 700 per year

Accommodation

USD 9,800 - 11,100 per year

Electricity

USD 100 - 150 per month

Food

On campus: USD 250 per month

Off-campus: USD 400 - 600 per month

Phone subscription

USD 50 per month

Home Internet

USD 45 - 50 per month

Health Insurance

USD 700 - 1,100 per year

Clothes

USD 500 per year

Water, Trash and Sewer

USD 50 - USD 75 per month

Note: These amounts will differ from state to state within the US. On average, the cost of Indian food in the USA is around USD 350 - USD 400 for one person. 

Notable Alumni

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Commonly asked questions
On Alumni

Q:   Who are some of the notable alumni members of the Caltech?

A: 

The Caltech is one of the popular universities in the world. There are nearly 25,000 alumni members living around the world. The alumni members are renowned in ther fields. Some of the alumni members are:

Name

Profession

Howard Hughes

A prominent figure in the Aviation industry and a Film Producer

Richard FeynmanAmerican theoretical physicist, known for his work in the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics,  Nobel Prize Winner in Physics in 1965
Linus PaulingAmerican chemist, biochemist, chemical engineer, peace activist, author, and educator. Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry in 1954 and Nobel Peace Prize Winner in 1962.
Thomas Hunt MorganAmerican evolutionary biologist, and geneticist. Won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1933

Notable Faculty

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Student Life & Culture

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Commonly asked questions
On Additional Details 2

Q:   Does Caltech host any parties?

A: 

Caltech students can choose to opt into the house system, where they are placed into one of the eight UG houses. Each house has a family-style dinner every weeknight during which they sit together in their dining hall and are served by paid student waiters. Each UG house has its unique customs. For example, Dabney House stages a liquid nitrogen pumpkin drop from the top of the Caltech Hall every Halloween. Furthermore, these houses host one ‘inter-house’ party during the year. These are elaborate events, where members of the house plan food, music, décor, and other parts of the party for the UG student body.

Q:   What are the housing options at Caltech?

A: 

Caltech has 11 residence halls on campus with a variety of living arrangements: singles, doubles, triples, and suite-style living. There are 8 traditional UG houses as well as 3 unaffiliated (non-house) halls. There are common areas for students to socialize, mingle, dine, and work on problem sets together. Furthermore, the university’s residence halls also provide a strong support system. Each has peer advisors, health advocates, a resident associate, etc. Also, there is always someone to talk to when students need any kind of assistance or just want to chat. Furthermore, the housing system also offers a lot of opportunities to join student leadership.

Caltech 
FAQs

Q:   How much does Caltech cost for international students?

A: 

The following table throws more light on the cost of attendance at Caltech:

ParticularsExpenses
TuitionUSD 60,816
FeesUSD 2,439
Housing/RoomUSD 11,247
Food / MealsUSD 8,256
Books and Supplies (approx.)USD 1,428
Personal Expenses (approx.)USD 2,700
Total Estimated Cost of AttendanceUSD 86,886

Q:   What is the California Institute of Technology tuition fees for international students?

A: 

California Institute of Technology tuition fees for international students is given in the table below:

Courses1st Year Tuition Fees
MS (18 courses)
INR 44 L - 51 L
BE / BTech (7 courses)
INR 45 L - 51 L
BSc (13 courses)
INR 45 L - 51 L
BA (5 courses)
INR 45 L - 47 L
BBA (2 courses)
INR 45 L - 47 L

 

Q:   Are international students exempted from submitting ELP scores for admission to Caltech?

A: 

The following exemptions apply for Caltech admissions and non submission of ELP scores:

  • English is the primary language of instruction in the secondary school
  • Applicants with a degree from a college or university whose primary instruction is in English
qna

Caltech

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 weeks ago

This is an engineering decision depending on what you prefer education-wise, career-wise, and what type of college experience you would want. Here are some reasons why Harvey Mudd might be a better fit:

 

1. Focus on Undergraduate Education

Harvey Mudd specializes in undergraduate programs, making sure

...more

75317217
Ujjwal Gupta

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

Caltech is renowned for providing 12 minors and 28 majors to international students. Some popular majors are Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics. The reasons for their popularity are the opportunities linked with them, high salary expec

...more

A

Akansha katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The California Institute of Technology fees range between INR 50L and INR 53L for UG, INR 43L, and INR 53L for PG. Students can check the estimated tuition cost of popular programs below:

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

MS (18 courses)

INR 44 L - 53 L

B.Sc. (13 courses)

INR 53 L

BBA (2 courses)

INR 53 L

B.E. / B.Tech (7 courses)

INR 51 L - 53 L

B.A. (5 courses)

INR 53 L

A

Akansha katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Caltech has 12 minors and 28 majors in all six academic divisions. Applied Physics, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Computation and Neural Systems, Control and Dynamical Systems, Environmental Science and Engineering, Geobiology and Astrobiology, Geochemistry, and Planetary Astronomy are among the oth

...more

A

Akansha katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

California Institute of Technology application fee for undergraduate students is USD 75 (INR 6.3K), and USD 100 (INR 8K) for postgraduate students. Students must fulfill the basic eligibility and submit the required documents including standardized test scores, English language proficiency scores, G

...more

A

Akansha katariya

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

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Kashish Saini

Study Abroad Expert

With over six years of experience, Kashish Saini has built his expertise in the field researching on the latest trends in the study abroad vertical. Patient and sincere in his work, he is also highly adaptive in nature. A valued member of the team, h...Read Full Bio
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Caltech
Location

Accordion Icon V3
University CityPasadena, California, USA
Size of cityMedium
Population of City1,43,000

Caltech
Campuses

Departments Icon1   Campuses
Caltech CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

1200 East California Boulevard Pasadena, California 91125 USA

Visit official site External Link Icon

Caltech
Contact Information

Address

1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
Pasadena ( California)

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