Caltech Merit Aid

1. Expecting a stat-driven 'STEM merit scholarship' for a top math/science profile.+

   Caltech states 'All scholarships and grants at Caltech are need-based, as the Institute does not have a merit aid program.' A near-perfect profile earns admission, not a price cut. A high-stat student with no demonstrated need pays full cost.

2. Assuming Caltech's named or endowed scholarships are merit awards.+

   Caltech's named scholarships fund the same need-based packages: 'Named scholarships are also need-based, but some have a merit component.' The merit component is a selection nuance within a need-based award — it is not a stand-alone merit discount you can win without demonstrated need.

3. Crossing Caltech off the list over its sticker price without running the need calculation.+

   Caltech meets 100% of demonstrated financial need through grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. For a family with real need, the net price can be far below the published cost. Run Caltech's net price calculator before deciding it is unaffordable.

Academically elite students from low- and middle-income families who will generate demonstrated need — Caltech meets 100% of it. Students hoping a perfect SAT/ACT or research record will convert into an automatic tuition discount should not count on it; Caltech runs no merit-aid program.

• Does Caltech offer merit scholarships?

  No. Caltech is explicit: 'All scholarships and grants at Caltech are need-based, as the Institute does not have a merit aid program.' There is no automatic or competitive merit scholarship for undergraduates — all institutional aid follows demonstrated financial need.

• How is financial aid determined at Caltech?

  Aid is need-based. Caltech evaluates a family's financial circumstances and meets 100% of demonstrated need through a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Academic merit gets you admitted; it does not by itself produce a discount.

• Are Caltech's named or endowed scholarships merit awards?

  No. Per Caltech, 'Named scholarships are also need-based, but some have a merit component.' These named funds pay for need-based packages; the merit component affects which fund a student is matched to, not whether a no-need student can win one.

• Does Caltech meet full demonstrated need?

  Yes. Caltech states it meets 100% of a student's demonstrated financial need, reflecting its commitment to low- and middle-income families. The package can include grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.

• USC merit aid — California private school — compare automatic merit, amounts, and stacking.
• Chapman merit aid — California private school — compare automatic merit, amounts, and stacking.
• Stanford merit aid — California private school — compare automatic merit, amounts, and stacking.
• Pomona merit aid — California private school — compare automatic merit, amounts, and stacking.