Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and San Diego State

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and San Diego State University 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 San Diego State ($21,328).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than San Diego State.
  • San Diego State has more students with 41,137 students while Cal Poly has 23,069 students.
  • Cal Poly has a lower number of students per faculty with 19 to 1 while San Diego State's ratio is 27 to 1.
  • San Diego State has more full-time faculties with 1,012 faculties while Cal Poly has 931 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Cal Poly San Diego State
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispovs.San Diego State University
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, 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$8,728
Out-Of-State$21,328
52%% Receiving Financial Aid53%
$12,264Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,851
31.32 %Acceptance Rates36.19 %
24.61 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.36 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
86 %Graduation Rate76 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate2 %
96 %Retention Rate91 %
23,069Student Population41,137
931Number of Faculties1,012
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio27 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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