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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, California — 1 Grand Ave., 93407

Annual Tuition $11,075
Enrollment 21,521
Acceptance Rate 29.8%
Median Salary $90,768

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is a leading Public institution located in San Luis Obispo, California. Established to provide high-quality education, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location San Luis Obispo, California
Type Public
Total Enrollment 21,521 students
Median Salary $90,768

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo — Institution Overview

Institution Name California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Location San Luis Obispo, California
Official Website https://calpoly.edu/
Address 1 Grand Ave.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Institution Type Public
Total Students 21,521

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 29.8% Highly Selective
Avg. SAT Score N/A
ACT Midpoint N/A

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $11,075
Out-of-State Tuition $30,995
Pell Grant Rate 18.3%
Median Debt (Completers) $18,500

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $6,476/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $6,904/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $11,372/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $18,032/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $6,476 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Computer and Information Sciences, General. salary after California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Bachelor's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $120,462 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
4yr: $181,838
2

Computer and Information Sciences, General. salary after California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $116,083 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
4yr: $148,050
3

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. salary after California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Master's Degree
High earning
2yr salary $101,964 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
4yr: $136,031

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

29.8% Highly Selective

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 21,521
Undergrad 20,595
Retention Rate 95.2% full-time
Full-Time Students 95.7%

Courses and Academic Programs at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 1,420
Mechanical Engineering.
Bachelor's
Graduates 601
Biology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 401
Computer Science.
Bachelor's
Graduates 369
Animal Sciences.
Bachelor's
Graduates 361
Civil Engineering.
Bachelor's
Graduates 331
Computer Engineering.
Bachelor's
Graduates 316
Agricultural Business and Management.
Bachelor's
Graduates 294
Architectural Sciences and Technology.
Bachelor's
Graduates 280
Psychology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 279
Showing top 10 of 106 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $90,768 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $72,358
Graduation Rate 85.2% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $72,358
10 Years After Entry $90,768
Is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $15,624
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $90,768
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 437700%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Total Students 21,521
Undergrad 20,595
Graduate 926
Retention Rate 95.2% full-time

Gender Breakdown

50.2%
49.9%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 95.7%
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

White
49.7%
Hispanic
23.1%
Asian
14.4%
Two or More Races
7.9%
Unknown / Unreported
3%
International
0.9%
Black
0.7%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
0.3%
American Indian / Alaska Native
0.1%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 20
🎓
First-Generation 24.8%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 45.6%
💍
Married Students 1.2%
📅
Students Age 25+ 2.3%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 63.6%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $74,683
Average Family Income $94,049
Median Family Income $74,513

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

61.4%
38.6%
Women Men
Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 18.3% of students
Federal Loan Rate 23.5% of students
Avg Net Price $15,624 after aid
Median Debt $18,500 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $18,500
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $7,500
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $25,000

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.2%
Median Graduate Salary $90,768
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Frequently Asked Questions about California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

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 29.8%, making it a highly selective institution.

How much is tuition at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

Tuition at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is $11,075 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

Graduates of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo earn a median salary of $90,768 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo located?

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is located at 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, California 93407. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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