Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and 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 ($47,265) than Cal Poly ($33,230).
  • It is harder to admit to UC Berkeley than Cal Poly.
  • UC Berkeley has more students with 45,882 students while Cal Poly has 23,069 students.
  • UC Berkeley has a lower number of students per faculty with 18 to 1 while Cal Poly's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • UC Berkeley has more full-time faculties with 1,971 faculties while Cal Poly has 931 full-time faculties.
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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$12,161
Out-Of-State$33,230
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$15,377
Out-Of-State$47,265
52%% Receiving Financial Aid60%
$12,264Average Amount of Financial Aid$25,091
31.32 %Acceptance Rates10.98 %
24.61 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)45.99 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
86 %Graduation Rate93 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
96 %Retention Rate97 %
23,069Student Population45,882
931Number of Faculties1,971
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 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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