Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and Cal State Fullerton

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and California State University-Fullerton 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.
  • Cal Poly has more expensive tuition & fees ($33,230) than Cal State Fullerton ($20,070).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than Cal State Fullerton.
  • Cal State Fullerton has more students with 43,662 students while Cal Poly has 23,069 students.
  • Cal Poly has a lower number of students per faculty with 19 to 1 while Cal State Fullerton's ratio is 26 to 1.
  • Cal State Fullerton has more full-time faculties with 1,054 faculties while Cal Poly has 931 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispovs.California State University-Fullerton
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationFullerton, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$12,161
Out-Of-State$33,230
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$7,470
Out-Of-State$20,070
52%% Receiving Financial Aid70%
$12,264Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,631
31.32 %Acceptance Rates90.52 %
24.61 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)14.21 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
86 %Graduation Rate70 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate2 %
96 %Retention Rate82 %
23,069Student Population43,662
931Number of Faculties1,054
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio26 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, 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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