The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a private research university located in Pasadena, California. Founded in 1891, it operates independently of state government control and relies on tuition, endowments, and private funding rather than public financing. Caltech is renowned for its STEM-focused programs and contributions to science and engineering.
As a private institution, Caltech has greater autonomy in setting tuition fees, admission criteria, and curriculum compared to public universities. It maintains a small student body and low student-to-faculty ratio, emphasizing rigorous academics and cutting-edge research.