California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a public polytechnic university on the Central Coast of California. It follows a learn-by-doing philosophy and is known for its strong engineering, architecture, and agriculture programs. Cal Poly is one of the most selective public universities in California.
Founded
1901
Location
San Luis Obispo, California
Students
23,032
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
31.3%
Selective
Graduation Rate
86.4%
Above national average
In-State Tuition
$13,596
Out-of-state: $34,665
Avg Net Price
$16,665
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$90,768
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
31.3 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$70
Early
N/A
Deadline
Dec 1
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is moderately selective at 31.3%. Meeting the academic requirements puts you in a good position to be admitted.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
86.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
95.6%
4-Year Grad
57%
6-Year Grad
85%
Teaching Quality
20:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
69%
$/Student
$11.4K
Class Size
Large
While 57% finish in 4 years, 95.6% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$13,596
In-State
$34,665
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,792
Books & Supplies
$1,119
Total Cost of Attendance
$32,265
After Financial Aid
$16,665
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$7,529
Receive Grants
19.2%
Take Loans
24.9%
The full cost of attendance is about $32,265/yr for in-state students, including $18,792 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $16,665. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $34,665.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo fund their education.
While in School
19.2%
Get Grants
Free money
24.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$74,513
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$18,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$196/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 24.9% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $18,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Gender
50.8%
Female
49%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
21,996
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,036
Graduates
24.8%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
2.3%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (51% women, 49% men). 24.8% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Small
Campus Quick Facts
21,996
Students
public
Institution
Large
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Quarter calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo fields 12 varsity teams with 786 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Big West
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
786
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
55% / 45%
430
Men
356
Women
9
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispoearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$90,768
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$72K
689 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$83K
278 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$111K
202 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$36K
163 grads
1yr Earnings
Animal Sciences
$34K
159 grads
1yr Earnings
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
$91K
159 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $72K six years out, climb to $63K by year eight, and reach $91K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
What is the acceptance rate at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?▾
How much does California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?▾
How much do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.