Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and UHM

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and University of Hawaii at Manoa are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public. Cal Poly is located in San Luis Obispo, CA and UHM is located in Honolulu, HI.

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.
  • UHM has more expensive tuition & fees ($34,218) than Cal Poly ($33,230).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than UHM.
  • Cal Poly has more students with 23,069 students while UHM has 20,028 students.
  • UHM has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while Cal Poly's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • UHM has more full-time faculties with 1,076 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 UHM
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispovs.University of Hawaii at Manoa
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationHonolulu, Hawaii
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$12,186
Out-Of-State$34,218
52%% Receiving Financial Aid55%
$12,264Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,172
31.32 %Acceptance Rates86.60 %
24.61 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.43 %
-SAT Score1,160
-ACT Score21
86 %Graduation Rate64 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
96 %Retention Rate81 %
23,069Student Population20,028
931Number of Faculties1,076
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 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
More Rivals