California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31.3%, annual tuition of $13,596, average net price of $16,665, and a national rank of #32 (Grade A), with a 87.1% graduation rate, about 21,996 undergraduates, and median earnings of $90,662 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is a public university in San Luis Obispo, CA. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Computer Engineering.
Day to day, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, and 95.5% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 118.7%, roughly 68.8 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates 87.1% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 95.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $13,596 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,119 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,792 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,069 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $32,265 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 19.2% of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $7,529 to $27,772 depending on family income. Use California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,786/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $27,772/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $90,662
- 10-Year Median Earnings $90,768
- Average Years to Graduate 4.6 years
- Average Student Debt $18,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 86.7%
- Employment Rate 92.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates report median earnings of $90,662 four years after graduation, +50% above the national median. The 118.7% ROI indicates solid long-term value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 21,996
- Full-Time Students 96.5%
- Part-Time Students 3.5%
- Retention Rate 95.5%
- Graduation Rate 87.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
1. Meet Academic Requirements: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 31.3%, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo accepts 31.3% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Mechanical Engineering, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 13.4%
- Mechanical Engineering 6.3%
- Biology, General 4.0%
- Computer Science 3.9%
- Animal Sciences 3.6%
- Agricultural Business and Management 3.3%
See more majors
- Civil Engineering 3.3%
- Computer Engineering 3.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $192,621
- 2. Computer Engineering $146,406
- 3. Construction Engineering Technologies $125,179
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Industrial Engineering $121,125
- 5. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $116,692
- 6. Physics $114,864
- 7. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering $112,671
- 8. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $111,260
- 9. Computer Science $111,141
- 10. Mechanical Engineering $110,675
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $183,105
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $158,506
- 3. Fire Protection (Master's Degree) $141,848
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $124,216
- 5. Mechanical Engineering (Master's Degree) $119,479
- 6. Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Master's Degree) $106,635
- 7. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $103,431
- 8. City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning (Master's Degree) $99,106
- 9. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $96,886
- 10. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $92,498
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $192,621—74% more than Mechanical Engineering ($110,675). Graduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General programs lead with $183,105 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 654 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 308 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 197 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 191 graduates)
- Animal Sciences (Bachelor's Degree, 174 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (72 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Computer Science
- Animal Sciences
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Psychology, General
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Food Science and Technology
- Industrial Engineering
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Construction Management
- Graphic Communications
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Journalism
- Political Science and Government
- Sociology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Plant Sciences
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- History
- Communication and Media Studies
- Nutrition Sciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Physics
- Materials Engineering
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Social Sciences, Other
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Forestry
- Architecture
- Philosophy
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Chemistry
- Agriculture, General
- Landscape Architecture
- Agricultural Public Services
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Marine Sciences
- Engineering Science
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Agricultural Mechanization
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Music
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Soil Sciences
- Public Health
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social Sciences, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Construction Engineering
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
Online Master's Degrees (42 programs)â–¼
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Computer Science
- Agriculture, General
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Taxation
- Engineering, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Fire Protection
- Economics
- Animal Sciences
- Architectural Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Public Policy Analysis
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Nutrition Sciences
- History
- Forestry
- English Language and Literature, General
- Mathematics
- Education, General
- Chemistry
- Architecture
- Public Administration
- Physics
- Graphic Communications
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Food Science and Technology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)â–¼
- Engineering-Related Fields
- Engineering, Other
- English Language and Literature, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 21,996
- Full-Time Students 96.5%
- Part-Time Students 3.5%
- Male Students 49.2%
- Female Students 50.8%
- Caucasian 47.6%
- Asian 14.0%
- Hispanic 25.2%
- Black 0.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 19.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has a diverse student body, with 47.6% identifying as White. About 19.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo delivers an 118.7% ROI that outpaces most private institutions while maintaining competitive admissions standards. Ranked #32 nationally, this flagship combines research university resources with public accessibility.
Impressive 87.1% graduation rate and $90,662 median earnings demonstrate strong outcomes. The $16,665 annual net price provides significant savings versus private alternatives, with 95.5% retention reflecting student satisfaction.
Public University Value: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Competitive Position
EDsmart Grade: A | National Rank: #32 of 1962 | 92.3/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Value Proposition: At $16,665 annually, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo costs 50-70% less than comparable private universities while delivering similar career outcomes. The 118.7% ROI reflects strong earning potential ($90,662 median) relative to total degree cost—a hallmark of top public universities.
Best For: In-state students benefit from additional tuition savings. Students in STEM, engineering, business, and pre-med programs access research opportunities and industry connections rivaling elite privates. Value-conscious families seeking prestige without private school premiums find ideal balance here.
Trade-offs: Larger class sizes and less personalized attention than small liberal arts colleges. Out-of-state students pay higher rates but still typically save versus private alternatives. Career services and networking, while strong, may not match elite private school alumni networks in certain fields like investment banking.
Competitive Context: Among our dataset, 172 institutions achieve higher ROI scores, though many sacrifice academic quality or student experience. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo balances strong outcomes with reasonable costs—the definition of value in higher education.
Key Takeaways
- 87.1% graduation rate sits 24.6 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 95.5% first-year retention is 18.8 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 118.7% return on investment is 68.8 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $90,662 run about 50% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $16,665 is roughly $3,414 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 95.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.8% employment rate within three years sits 24.6 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 19.2% trails the national share by 15.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo—a public university in San Luis Obispo, CA—at A overall. It appears at #32 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns A, Support A, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 95.5% of first-year students return, and roughly 87.1% earn an award within eight years of entry. The reported ROI is 118.7%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $16,665 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $32,265.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $15,600 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 19.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $90,662 four years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 50% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 92.8%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 118.7%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
31.3% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's acceptance rate?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's acceptance rate is 31.3%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo cost?
At California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, listed tuition and fees are $13,596 per year, and the average net price after aid is $16,665. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's ranking?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ranks #32 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's graduation rate?
At California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, the graduation rate is 87.1%, and first-year retention is 95.5%.
What are California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's job outcomes?
Graduates of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo report median earnings of $90,662 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's student population?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo enrolls about 21,996 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
- Website calpoly.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$265.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate1.3%