California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · Public · Bachelor's degrees · Suburb
Overall Grade
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About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) is a public university in San Luis Obispo County, California, United States, outside of the city limits of San Luis Obispo. Founded in 1901, it is the oldest of three polytechnic universities within the California State University system. Cal Poly emphasizes a "learn by doing" philosophy, integrating hands-on, practical experiences into its curriculum. As of fall 2025, Cal Poly had approximately 22,000 undergraduate and 900 graduate students. The university is home to several programs, including in engineering, architecture, and business. Most of the university's athletic teams participate in the Big West Conference.
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31%
Acceptance
$16,665
Net price
21,996
Enrollment
86%
Grad rate
Report Card
Academics
Graduation & retention rates
Value
Earnings vs. cost of attendance
Career Outcomes
Graduate earnings after 10 years
Affordability
Average net price after aid
Selectivity
How hard it is to get in
Diversity
Racial & ethnic balance of students
Grades are computed from official U.S. Department of Education metrics (graduation, cost, earnings, selectivity and student diversity).
Admissions
31%
Acceptance rate
—
SAT average
—
ACT midpoint
Cost & Financial Aid
$16,665
Average net price
$13,596
In-state tuition
$34,665
Out-of-state tuition
$18,792
Room & board
$1,119
Books & supplies
$32,265
Total cost of attendance
19%
Students receiving Pell grants
25%
Students with federal loans
$18,500
Median student debt
Average net price by family income
Net price is the average annual cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students.
Popular Majors
After Graduation
$90,768
Median earnings (10 yrs)
$72,358
Median earnings (6 yrs)
86%
Graduation rate
96%
Retention rate
90%
Earn more than a HS grad
$11,438
Instructional spend / student
Student Body
21,996
Total enrollment
3%
Part-time
20
Avg. age at entry
25%
First-generation
Gender balance
Race & ethnicity
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo FAQ
Is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo a public or private school?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is a public institution located in San Luis Obispo, CA.
What is the acceptance rate at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%, based on the latest U.S. Department of Education data.
How much does California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo cost?
The average annual net price at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is $16,665 — the typical cost after grants and scholarships for federally-aided students. Published tuition is $13,596 in-state and $34,665 out-of-state.
What is the graduation rate at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
About 86% of students at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo complete their degree, according to federal completion data.
How much do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo students earn a median of $90,768 per year.
How many students attend California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo enrolls about 21,996 students.
Campus
Campus photo via Wikimedia Commons — Gregg Erickson (Farwestern) · Public domain. Additional images are representative.
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