Estimated Budget
Graduate Estimated Expense Budget
The estimated budget covers tuition and fees and an estimated cost for living expenses in the Pasadena area. Several estimates are given — for living on campus in a single, double and quad apartment, and another for off-campus apartments. Please check Graduate Housing for detailed information on Caltech's current Housing Contracts and Rates. The following estimate is based on the best information available from the Institute and surveys of housing costs in the surrounding community. The estimated budget is part of the official basis for determination of financial aid.
Stipends
Graduate stipends are paid monthly, on or around the 26th of each month. The stipend is intended to support living expenses for a single student. As an additional benefit, the financial package provides coverage of the tuition and mandatory fees assessment. The PhD stipend rate for academic year 2023-24 for all divisions is $45,000, for 12 months. Stipends are considered taxable income. For more information on graduate stipends, please refer to Graduate Stipends.
Tuition and Mandatory Fees, 2023-24
| Annual | Fall Term 2023 | Winter Term 2024 | Spring Term 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $60,816 | $20,272 | $20,272 | $20,272 |
| Mandatory Fees | $2,247 | $749 | $749 | $749 |
| Total Tuition and Mandatory Fees | $63,063 | $21,021 | $21,021 | $21,021 |
Estimated Average Cost of Living, 2023-24
| On-Campus | On-Campus | On-Campus | Off-Campus (Caltech) | Off-Campus (Private) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared | Shared | Single | Shared | Shared | |
| 4-bedroom | 2-bedroom | 1-bedroom | 2-bedroom | 2-bedroom | |
| Housing and Utilities | $9,180 | $10,860 | $18,120 | $20,220 | $20,268 |
| Food | $8,395 | $8,395 | $8,395 | $8,395 | $8,395 |
| Book and Supplies | $1,400 | $1,400 | $1,400 | $1,400 | $1,400 |
| Health, Dental and Vision | $880 | $880 | $880 | $880 | $880 |
| Personal Expenses | $9,000 | $9,000 | $9,000 | $9,000 | $9,000 |
| Total Living Expenses | $28,855 | $30,535 | $37,795 | $39,895 | $39,943 |
Notes
Rent estimate is per person.
First-year students should anticipate additional relocation and set-up expenses. Most campus apartments will come furnished, but you will need to supply your own linens and personal items.
Under the current Internal Revenue Code, stipends are subject to income tax, but the tuition is not taxable. Taxes should be included in budget planning.
Published health, dental and vision insurance rates are for academic year 2022-23. Health insurance is mandatory for all graduate students, but dental and vision insurance are optional. Approximately 80% of the health insurance costs are subsidized by the Institute for all enrolled graduate students, but students are responsible for a portion of the costs. For more information on the health, dental and vision plans or waiver eligibility requirements, please refer to the Benefits website.