California Institute of Technology
Mechanical Engineering
Field of study · Pasadena, California, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Pasadena
Intl. Tuition
US$68,574 (2026-27)
Home Tuition
US$68,574 (2026-27)
Intake
Fall 2027
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Course Overview
Mechanical Engineering at California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Mechanical engineers work across automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics and consumer products, in roles covering design, testing, manufacturing and R&D. Key employers include Rolls-Royce, Dyson, BMW, Siemens and major defence and energy firms.
Student life (indicative)
Life in Pasadena revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
987
Staff Ratio
3.0:1
International
14.1%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
94%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£67,150
First-year earnings
Placement Year
✓ Available
Work experience option
Costs & Living
University Life
Urban
City & Location
Mid-size city (200k-499k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Mechanical Engineering
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Mechanical Engineering topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Mechanical Engineering
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
987
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
3:1
Students per staff
International Students
14%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Urban
City Size
Mid-size city (200k-499k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Mild coastal
Safety Index (indicative)
7.5/10
Transport
Good (close to station or regional airport)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle | Entrepreneurial / start-up culture
Student Life & City (indicative)
Life in Pasadena revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
- Life in Pasadena revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
What Students Love
- Beach lifestyle
- Active pub & club scene
- Great café culture
- Major sports culture
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
94%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£67,150
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✓ Available
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Mechanical engineers work across automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics and consumer products, in roles covering design, testing, manufacturing and R&D. Key employers include Rolls-Royce, Dyson, BMW, Siemens and major defence and energy firms.
- Mechanical engineers work across automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics and consumer products, in roles covering design, testing, manufacturing and R&D.
- Key employers include Rolls-Royce, Dyson, BMW, Siemens and major defence and energy firms.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Technology
- Finance
- Healthcare
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Total Programme Cost
US$274,296
For full 4 years
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,710/month (housing $1,700 alone, plus $540 food and $155 transport). A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.
- One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,710/month (housing $1,700 alone, plus $540 food and $155 transport).
- A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.