California Polytechnic State University--San Luis Obispo
#1 in Regional Universities West
Overview
California Polytechnic State University—San Luis Obispo is a public institution that was founded in 1901. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 20,963 (fall 2022), and the campus size is 9,178 acres. It utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar. California Polytechnic State University—San Luis Obispo's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities West, #1. Its in-state tuition and fees are $12,924; out-of-state tuition and fees are $26,970.
California Polytechnic State University, also known as Cal Poly, is located in San Luis Obispo, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Graduate students at Cal Poly can pursue any of nearly 40 degrees, including those in the the Orfalea College of Business. Undergraduate students can choose from almost 70 majors, with Cal Poly’s highly ranked engineering programs as the most popular choice. There are more than 80 state-of-the-art laboratories and 50 clubs dedicated specifically to the Cal Poly College of Engineering. Students can also get involved with any of the other 300 student organizations, including Rose Float, which allows students to conceptualize and create a float for the New Year’s Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. For student athletes, Cal Poly offers dozens of intramural and club sports, along with the nearly 20 Cal Poly Mustangs varsity teams, which compete in the NCAA Division I Big West and Great West conferences. Notable alumni include retired pro football coach and NBC sports commentator John Madden and comedic musician “Weird Al” Yankovic.
California Polytechnic State University—San Luis Obispo is a public institution that was founded in 1901. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 20,963 (fall 2022), and the campus size is 9,178 acres. It utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar. California Polytechnic State University—San Luis Obispo's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities West, #1. Its in-state tuition and fees are $12,924; out-of-state tuition and fees are $26,970.
California Polytechnic State University, also known as Cal Poly, is located in San Luis Obispo, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Graduate students at Cal Poly can pursue any of nearly 40 degrees, including those in the the Orfalea College of Business. Undergraduate students can choose from almost 70 majors, with Cal Poly’s highly ranked engineering programs as the most popular choice. There are more than 80 state-of-the-art laboratories and 50 clubs dedicated specifically to the Cal Poly College of Engineering. Students can also get involved with any of the other 300 student organizations, including Rose Float, which allows students to conceptualize and create a float for the New Year’s Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. For student athletes, Cal Poly offers dozens of intramural and club sports, along with the nearly 20 Cal Poly Mustangs varsity teams, which compete in the NCAA Division I Big West and Great West conferences. Notable alumni include retired pro football coach and NBC sports commentator John Madden and comedic musician “Weird Al” Yankovic.
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At-a-Glance
Setting
N/A
In-state tuition and fees
$12,924
Undergraduate Enrollment
20,963
Acceptance Rate
30%
2024 Rankings
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Admissions
Cost
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees
$26,970
In-State Tuition & Fees
$12,924
Room & Board
$17,220(2023-24)
Average Need-Based Aid Package
$17,188
$20,633
$20,633
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees
$26,970
In-State Tuition & Fees
$12,924
Room & Board
$17,220(2023-24)
Average Need-Based Aid Package
$17,188
*Average in-state cost after aid
Academics
60%
18:1
19%
Popular Majors
MAJOR
% OF GRADUATES
ALUMNI STARTING SALARY
Engineering
23%
N/A
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
18%
N/A
Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields
11%
N/A
Social Sciences
5%
N/A
Architecture and Related Services
5%
N/A
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* In cases where salary data at the specific major level is unavailable, a general salary for the major category is displayed.
Pick the Perfect Major
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Students
20,963
Graduate Enrollment
815
Total Enrollment
21,778
Full-Time Degree-Seeking Students
19,858
Student Diversity
Gender Distribution
Ethnic Diversity
44%
Minority Enrollment
44%
Minority Enrollment
52%
White
21%
Hispanic
14%
Asian
8%
Two or more races
3%
Unknown
2%
International
1%
Black
Not Specified is not included in this breakdown due to an enrollment of 0%.
Campus Life
Housing and Dorms
Types of campus housing available:
Student Activities
87+
Sports Teams
21
Fraternities
15
Sororities
After College
Graduation Rate
60%
Graduating Students Who Have Borrowed (any loan type, 2021)
34%
Average Debt at Graduation
$18,665
$59,889
$59,889
Graduation Rate
60%
Graduating Students Who Have Borrowed (any loan type, 2021)
34%
Average Debt at Graduation
$18,665
Reviews & Ratings
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Undergraduate data are based on the 2022 school year.
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