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PublicSuburban

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Cal Poly

San Luis Obispo, California 93407

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Campus Vibe

Large campusSuburban

Top graduate earnings — known for engineering

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is a public institution in San Luis Obispo with particular strength in engineering and business.

A large campus of 21.5K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.

85% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $90,768 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $15,624.

Established
1901
Motto
Discere Faciendo
Mascot
Chase the MustangMusty the Mustang
Type
Public polytechnic university
Conference
NCAA Division I
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

14 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Apr 13 · Campus Tour
30%Acceptance
SAT Avg
21,521Students
18:1Student:Faculty
85%Grad Rate
$90,768Earnings 10yr
$15,624Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate29.8%

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

29.8%

Trend

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$11,075
Tuition (out-of-state)$30,995
Room & Board$17,220
Books & Supplies$1,089
Total Cost of Attendance$29,918
Average Net Price$15,624
Median Debt at Graduation$18,500
Monthly Payment (10yr)$196

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$6,476
$30–48K$6,904
$48–75K$11,372
$75–110K$18,032
$110K+$26,920

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$15,624

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

7700.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$15,396

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

153

Peer Average

240

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Programs (128)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
21,521
Gender Split
50% / 50%
Women / Men
First Generation
25%
Pell Grant Recipients
18%

Race & Ethnicity

White 50%
Black 1%
Hispanic 23%
Asian 14%
Two+ 8%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate85.2%
Freshman Retention95.2%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$72,358
8 Years$82,835
10 Years$90,768

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$59,900
Men
$84,900

Rankings

Washington Monthly
#32

More About This School

Varsity Sports

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

146Very High

Estimated from CA state average + suburban adjustment

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 5"Sunny days: 250Rainy days: 75

Nearest Cities

Los Angelespop. 3.9M
162 mi(281 min)
San Franciscopop. 870K
197 mi(341 min)
San Diegopop. 1.4M
268 mi(465 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Application Checklist

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