Caltech Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Graduate students in GPS join a tight-knit community within Caltech's already intimate campus environment. With approximately 100 graduate students across all research areas, the division feels more like an extended research family than a large academic department. Students typically spend their first two years completing coursework and teaching assistant responsibilities while beginning research, then transition to full-time dissertation work. The majority of graduate students live off-campus in Pasadena apartments, though Caltech provides housing resources and maintains some graduate housing options. Social life within GPS centers around the division's physical spaces, including the South Mudd and Geological Sciences buildings, where daily coffee gatherings and weekly seminars provide regular interaction opportunities. The division sponsors social events throughout the year, and students frequently organize hiking trips, sports teams, and informal gatherings. The broader Caltech community, while small by university standards with roughly 2,300 students total, offers additional social outlets through graduate student council events, intramural sports, and campus traditions. Diversity within GPS reflects broader challenges in the geosciences, though active efforts aim to increase representation of underrepresented groups. The division participates in recruitment programs targeting diverse applicants and supports student organizations promoting inclusive communities. International students comprise a significant portion of the graduate population, bringing perspectives from geological research traditions worldwide. Mental health resources include Caltech's counseling center and peer support networks, important given the intensive nature of doctoral research. One common challenge students note involves the high-pressure academic environment and relatively limited social scene in Pasadena compared to larger cities, though proximity to Los Angeles offers escape when needed.
Location & Surroundings
The GPS division is located on Caltech's main campus in Pasadena, California, a city of approximately 140,000 residents situated at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Pasadena offers a distinctive blend of small-city charm and metropolitan access, sitting just 11 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The campus itself spans 124 acres in a suburban setting with tree-lined streets and Spanish colonial architecture creating an aesthetically pleasing environment. Southern California's Mediterranean climate provides year-round mild weather, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s Fahrenheit in winter to the mid-80s in summer. Rain falls primarily between November and March, with summers remaining essentially dry. This climate enables outdoor activities throughout the year, and the proximity to mountains offers hiking, skiing, and field work opportunities within an hour's drive. The San Gabriel Mountains themselves serve as a geological laboratory for many GPS research projects. Transportation in Pasadena presents typical Southern California challenges. While the Metro Gold Line connects Pasadena to downtown Los Angeles and extends toward eastern Los Angeles County, a car significantly expands mobility options. Cycling works for campus commuting, though the broader region requires automotive transportation. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) sits approximately 30 miles southwest, while the smaller Bob Hope Airport in Burbank offers a closer alternative 15 miles away. Cost of living in Pasadena runs significantly above national averages, with graduate student stipends covering basic expenses but leaving limited discretionary income in this expensive region.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Graduate students in GPS receive full financial support throughout their doctoral studies, including tuition coverage, health insurance, and a competitive stipend currently around $42,000-$45,000 annually. This package eliminates tuition costs for students, though the high cost of living in Pasadena means budgeting remains important. Typical monthly expenses for housing, food, and transportation in the area run $2,000-$2,500, leaving modest savings possible on the stipend. The division maintains several named fellowships providing enhanced support for exceptional students. Additionally, students often receive funding through NASA grants, NSF awards, and other external sources supporting their research. Teaching assistantships provide stipend support during the first two years, while research assistantships funded by faculty grants typically support later years. Some students pursue external fellowships such as NSF Graduate Research Fellowships, which provide additional funding and prestige. Career outcomes for GPS graduates span academia, government research, and industry. Approximately 60% of graduates pursue academic careers, with alumni holding faculty positions at leading universities worldwide including MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, Columbia, and international institutions. Government agencies including NASA, USGS, NOAA, and national laboratories employ significant numbers of graduates. The petroleum and mining industries have historically hired GPS graduates, though clean energy companies increasingly recruit geoscientists. Average starting salaries vary widely by sector, ranging from $60,000-$70,000 for academic postdocs to $90,000-$120,000 for industry positions. The division's JPL connection creates unique pathways into space science careers, with many graduates joining mission teams as scientists and engineers. Career services at Caltech provide counseling, interview preparation, and networking events, though the tight-knit GPS community itself serves as the primary career network. Alumni engagement remains strong, with graduates frequently returning for seminars and recruiting visits. The six-year graduation rate exceeds 85%, reflecting strong student support and realistic project scoping.
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