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# How Caltech Calculates Your Family Contribution

Caltech will estimate your family's ability to contribute to your educational expenses on a yearly basis, based on the financial and household information you provide in your financial aid application.  The information is analyzed using the Department of Education's Federal Methodology formula and a nationally-accepted Institutional Methodology formula.

The needs analysis formula takes into account many factors, including:

• Family income
• Family assets (not including retirement assets or the value of your primary residence)
• Taxes paid
• Certain expenses, e.g. medical and childcare
• Family size
• Number of students in college

If you'd like an estimate of your family's expected contribution, please use our Net Price Calculator.

Student Contribution

As a student, you also have a responsibility to help pay for your education.  Being the primary beneficiary of that education, you will be expected to contribute a greater share of your income and assets than your parents.  For most students, Caltech will assume a minimum contribution will be available from summer earnings.  This minimum contribution is:

• $1,500 for incoming freshmen •$1,900 for continuing students

Revisions