Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- 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
Students conducting research at JPL experience the unique environment of a NASA field center operating cutting-edge space missions. The laboratory's campus in the Pasadena foothills occupies a beautiful setting with views of the San Gabriel Mountains, though the focus remains firmly on the scientific and engineering work being accomplished. The atmosphere combines the intellectual stimulation of fundamental research with the practical urgency of mission operations, creating an environment unlike typical academic settings. Pasadena offers excellent quality of life for students and young professionals, with a vibrant downtown area featuring restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. The city is home to the Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena Playhouse, and numerous other cultural institutions. The annual Rose Bowl and Tournament of Roses parade bring national attention, while year-round events and activities provide ongoing entertainment options. The combination of urban amenities and proximity to mountains and beaches creates diverse recreational opportunities. Housing options in Pasadena and surrounding communities range from apartments near the laboratory to residential neighborhoods throughout the San Gabriel Valley. The cost of living in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is high, though Pasadena is somewhat more affordable than westside Los Angeles neighborhoods. JPL provides competitive stipends and benefits that help offset living costs for students and postdoctoral researchers. The JPL community includes employees from diverse backgrounds working across scientific and engineering disciplines. Regular seminars, colloquia, and informal discussions create intellectual community beyond individual project teams. Social activities, employee resource groups, and team events build connections among colleagues. Students benefit from mentorship relationships with experienced professionals and access to the broader JPL network throughout their careers.
Location & Surroundings
JPL occupies a 177-acre campus in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, located in the La Canada Flintridge area adjacent to Pasadena, California. The laboratory's location provides a pleasant working environment with mountain views and access to outdoor recreation, while remaining connected to the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. The setting combines natural beauty with the infrastructure needed to support complex space missions. Southern California's Mediterranean climate features warm, dry summers and mild winters with occasional rain. The region receives abundant sunshine year-round, supporting outdoor activities in all seasons. Temperatures in Pasadena typically range from the 50s in winter to the 90s in summer, with low humidity. The nearby mountains offer hiking trails, skiing in winter, and escape from summer heat, while beaches are accessible within an hour's drive. Transportation in the Los Angeles area relies heavily on automobiles, and most JPL employees commute by car. The laboratory provides shuttles from Metro stations for those using public transit, and carpooling programs help reduce traffic impacts. Parking is available on campus. John Wayne Airport, Bob Hope Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport provide air travel connections, with LAX offering the most extensive domestic and international service. The greater Los Angeles area offers exceptional cultural, dining, and entertainment options. Museums, theaters, concert venues, and sports facilities provide endless diversions. The diverse population supports cuisines from around the world. Proximity to Caltech facilitates collaboration between JPL and the university, while other regional universities including UCLA, USC, and Caltech's neighboring institutions expand research and educational connections.
Costs & Career Outcomes
JPL provides competitive compensation for students and early-career researchers. Graduate fellowship stipends are commensurate with other major research fellowship programs and intended to cover living expenses in the Los Angeles area. Undergraduate interns receive hourly wages plus housing allowances that make summer participation financially feasible for students from diverse backgrounds. Relocation assistance helps offset moving costs for those coming from distant universities. Full-time positions at JPL offer federal contractor salaries typically competitive with other government laboratories and somewhat below top technology company compensation. Total compensation includes comprehensive benefits, retirement plans, and work-life balance advantages. Many researchers accept somewhat lower compensation in exchange for the unique mission work and job stability that JPL provides. Career outcomes for JPL alumni span academia, government, industry, and entrepreneurship. Former students hold faculty positions at major research universities, conduct research at NASA centers and national laboratories, lead aerospace companies, and contribute to space startups. The JPL experience is highly valued in the space industry, opening doors throughout the aerospace sector. Many alumni describe their JPL years as transformative for their professional development. The job market for space scientists and aerospace engineers remains strong, driven by both government programs and growing commercial space activities. JPL experience provides valuable credentials for roles at NASA, other space agencies, aerospace contractors, and new space companies. The laboratory's alumni network provides ongoing professional connections throughout careers. For those passionate about space exploration, JPL offers rare opportunities to contribute directly to humanity's expansion into the cosmos.
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