Cal Poly vs UC Berkeley

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and University of California-Berkeley are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in California

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • UC Berkeley has more expensive tuition & fees ($45,627) than Cal Poly ($30,995).
  • It is harder to admit to UC Berkeley than Cal Poly.
  • UC Berkeley has more students with 45,307 students while Cal Poly has 22,000 students.
  • UC Berkeley has a lower number of students per faculty with 19 to 1 while Cal Poly's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • UC Berkeley has more full-time faculties with 1,847 faculties while Cal Poly has 881 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Cal Poly UC Berkeley
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispovs.University of California-Berkeley
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationBerkeley, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$11,075
Out-Of-State$30,995
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,850
Out-Of-State$45,627
50%% Receiving Financial Aid59%
$7,853Average Amount of Financial Aid$22,200
30.43 %Acceptance Rates11.33 %
28.57 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)46.33 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
85 %Graduation Rate94 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
94 %Retention Rate96 %
22,000Student Population45,307
881Number of Faculties1,847
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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