Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and California Northstate

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and California Northstate University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Cal Poly is a four-year, public school located in San Luis Obispo, CA and California Northstate is a four-year, private (for-profit) school located in Elk Grove, CA.

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.

  • Cal Poly is a public and California Northstate is a private (for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • California Northstate has more expensive tuition & fees ($61,600) than Cal Poly ($33,230).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than California Northstate.
  • Cal Poly has more students with 23,069 students while California Northstate has 981 students.
  • California Northstate has a lower number of students per faculty with 3 to 1 while Cal Poly's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • Cal Poly has more full-time faculties with 931 faculties while California Northstate has 106 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispovs.California Northstate University
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationElk Grove, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie Classification
In-State$12,161
Out-Of-State$33,230
2025 Tuition & Fees$61,600
52%% Receiving Financial Aid34%
$12,264Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,487
31.32 %Acceptance Rates92.47 %
24.61 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)5.81 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
86 %Graduation Rate100 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
96 %Retention Rate86 %
23,069Student Population981
931Number of Faculties106
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio3 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesWeekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Placement services