Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and UCI

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and University of California-Irvine 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.
  • UCI has more expensive tuition & fees ($46,640) than Cal Poly ($33,230).
  • It is harder to admit to UCI than Cal Poly.
  • UCI has more students with 37,297 students while Cal Poly has 23,069 students.
  • UCI has more full-time faculties with 2,283 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.University of California-Irvine
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationIrvine, 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$14,752
Out-Of-State$46,640
52%% Receiving Financial Aid62%
$12,264Average Amount of Financial Aid$21,866
31.32 %Acceptance Rates28.57 %
24.61 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.22 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
86 %Graduation Rate87 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate5 %
96 %Retention Rate94 %
23,069Student Population37,297
931Number of Faculties2,283
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 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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