California Institute of Technology Scholarships

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is one of the world’s most prestigious universities, renowned for its breakthroughs in science, engineering, and technology. Despite its reputation for academic rigor and high tuition costs, Caltech ensures that talented students from every background can access a world-class education through its need-based aid, fellowships, and assistantships.

Whether you are an undergraduate seeking a debt-free degree or a graduate student looking for fully funded research opportunities, Caltech provides some of the most generous scholarship packages in the United States.

Features of Caltech Scholarships

  • Need-Based, Not Merit-Based (Undergrad): Ensures fairness for all income groups.
  • Debt-Free Education: Caltech’s no-loan policy guarantees students graduate without debt.
  • International Student Support: Generous packages for non-U.S. students.
  • Fully Funded Graduate Programs: Fellowships, assistantships, and stipends cover tuition and living expenses.
  • Research-Focused Funding: Grants and fellowships encourage students to pursue innovation and independent projects.

Caltech Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Caltech is committed to making its education affordable through a need-based financial aid system. Unlike many universities, Caltech does not offer merit-based scholarships for undergraduates; instead, it provides generous financial aid packages that cover full demonstrated need.

1. Caltech Need-Based Financial Aid (The Caltech Grant)

The Caltech Grant is the main financial aid program for undergraduates, designed to make education affordable for families of all income levels.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be admitted to Caltech’s undergraduate program.
  • Financial need is determined based on family income, assets, and household size.
  • Families earning under $90,000/year typically qualify for full tuition coverage.
  • Families earning under $150,000/year receive significant financial aid.

Scholarship Coverage

  • Full Tuition (up to $60,000 annually).
  • Room and Board (up to $20,000 annually).
  • Additional Expenses (books, travel, and personal costs).

2. Caltech International Student Financial Aid

Unlike many U.S. institutions, Caltech offers full financial aid packages to international students, covering 100% of demonstrated need.

Benefits for International Students

  • Grants and scholarships instead of loans.
  • Full coverage of tuition, housing, and personal expenses.
  • Extra funding for research, study abroad, and travel costs.

3. Caltech Research and Innovation Grants

Caltech strongly promotes innovation and discovery by funding undergraduate research.

Types of Research Grants

  • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF): Provides stipends for students conducting independent research.
  • Student-Faculty Programs: Funding for projects under faculty mentorship.
  • Startup & Entrepreneurship Grants: Supports students launching innovative ventures.

Caltech Scholarships for Graduate Students

Graduate students at Caltech benefit from a range of fellowships, assistantships, and stipends that make advanced study and research fully funded.

1. Caltech Graduate Fellowships

Caltech offers multiple fellowships that cover full tuition and provide generous stipends.

Types of Graduate Fellowships

  • Caltech Presidential Graduate Fellowship: Covers tuition plus living stipend.
  • Departmental Fellowships: For outstanding students in physics, chemistry, engineering, and computer science.
  • Diversity Fellowships: Designed for underrepresented students in STEM fields.

2. Caltech Research and Teaching Assistantships (RA & TA)

Graduate students can serve as Research Assistants (RAs) or Teaching Assistants (TAs), which also provides full financial support.

Benefits of Assistantships

  • Full Tuition Coverage.
  • Annual Stipend (~$40,000 annually).
  • Health Insurance Benefits.
  • Professional research and teaching experience.

3. External Scholarships for Caltech Graduate Students

In addition to Caltech’s internal fellowships, many graduate students secure funding from external organizations such as:

  • National Science Foundation (NSF) Fellowships.
  • NASA Space Technology Research Fellowships.
  • Fulbright Scholarships for International Students.

How to Apply for California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Scholarships

1. Apply for Admission

  • Applicants must first apply and be admitted to an undergraduate or graduate program at Caltech.
  • Applications are submitted through the Common Application or the Coalition Application for undergraduates, and directly through the Caltech Graduate Office for graduate students.

2. Submit the Financial Aid Application (For Undergraduates)

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – required for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
  • Submit the CSS Profile – required for both domestic and international students to determine need-based aid.
  • Provide Parent and Student Tax Returns / Income Documentation as requested.
  • International students must also provide a Caltech International Student Financial Aid Application form.

3. Apply for Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships

  • Graduate students are automatically considered for most Caltech fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships during the admissions process.
  • Students seeking external fellowships (e.g., NSF, Fulbright, or NASA scholarships) should apply directly through the sponsoring organization and notify Caltech of their award.

4. Deadlines to Remember

  • Undergraduate Applicants:
    • Early Action: Submit financial aid documents by November 1.
    • Regular Decision: Submit financial aid documents by January 5.
  • Graduate Applicants: Deadlines vary by department, usually between December and January for the following academic year.

5. Receive Your Award Letter

  • Once your application is reviewed, Caltech will provide a financial aid award letter outlining the grants, scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships you qualify for.
  • Students must accept the offer by the stated deadline to secure funding.

Conclusion

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) goes beyond academic excellence to ensure education is accessible and affordable. From undergraduate need-based aid to fully funded graduate fellowships, Caltech is committed to supporting brilliant minds across the globe. With its no-loan policy, generous international aid, and extensive research funding, Caltech stands as one of the best universities in the USA for students seeking world-class, debt-free education.