Computer Scienceat California Institute of Technology
Graduates earn $173,344/yr in their first year — about 135.0% above the national Computer Science average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,583K; scenarios range from $1,062K to $1,693K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Caltech
Caltech's demanding, theory-heavy curriculum prepares you not just to code, but to invent the next generation of technology. The program’s legendary reputation and Pasadena location create a powerful recruiting pipeline directly into Silicon Valley and Southern California's "Silicon Beach." You won't just be competing for jobs at Google or Apple; you'll be sought after for their most challenging research and development roles. The career paths reflect this, pushing you toward fundamental problem-solving rather than just application development. That high AI risk score isn't a threat—it's your opportunity, as you'll be the one building the AI systems, not being replaced by them. Your key to success here is to lean into the intense research focus; seek out opportunities at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory or in faculty labs to build a portfolio that goes far beyond typical classroom projects.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Caltech's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Computer Science
How Caltech stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Computer Science offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Computer Science trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Computer Science at Caltech
How does California Institute of Technology's Computer Science program score?
A score of 67/100 reflects decent absolute metrics, but California Institute of Technology trails the majority of Computer Science programs on relative rankings. Context matters more than the raw number.
How vulnerable is Computer Science to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Computer Science careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 72% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
How affordable is Computer Science at California Institute of Technology after financial aid?
Sticker price is $253,020, but the average net cost is $75,608 — a 70% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.