Mahadev Maitri Foundation
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Public4-year

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, California Β· Suburb: SmallOfficial Website β†—

#101
Nationally
#17
In California
30%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$5,742
In-State Tuition
per year
85%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
21,559
Undergrad Enrollment
20,000+
Overall Score & Rankings
66/100
Good
#101 nationally
#17 in California
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes85
πŸ’°Affordability50
🎯Selectivity64
πŸ“šAcademic Environment50
πŸ”¬Program Breadth82

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is a public four-year university located in San Luis Obispo, California. With 21,559 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 30%, the institution is considered selective. In-state tuition is $5,742 per year ($17,622 out-of-state), below average for public institutions. The six-year graduation rate is 85%, which is excellent compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate30%↑ Above avg
National avg: 70%
63,736
Applied
18,964
Admitted
5,278
Enrolled
Cost & Financial Aid
In-State Tuition$5,742/yr
In-State Fees$5,333/yr
Out-of-State Tuition$17,622/yr
Room & Board$18,309/yr
Total CoA (In-State)$29,384/yr
Total CoA (Out-of-State)$49,304/yr
In-State Tuition vs National Avg$5,742↑ Above avg
National avg: $10,662
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate85%↑ Above avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
21,559
Total Undergrads
50% F / 50% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 50%
Hispanic 23%
Black 1%
Asian 14%
Two or more 8%
International 1%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Tuition ($5,742/yr) is well below the national average for public colleges
  • βœ“Strong 6-year graduation rate of 85%, above the national average of 63%
  • βœ“Publicly funded institution β€” tuition subsidized by state taxes for in-state residents
Consider
  • Β·Room and board costs ($18,309/yr) add significantly to the total cost of attendance
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for academically high-achieving students looking for a competitive environment, in-state students who want a quality education at a subsidized cost, and students who prioritize colleges with a strong record of graduate completion.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPublic
LocationSan Luis Obispo, California
SettingSuburb: Small
Size20,000+
State Ranking
#17
in California out of 7+ colleges
#101
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.