Academic Comparison between Cal State Long Beach and Cal Poly

California State University-Long Beach and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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 Long Beach ($19,974).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than Cal State Long Beach.
  • Cal State Long Beach has more students with 42,003 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 Long Beach's ratio is 23 to 1.
  • Cal State Long Beach has more full-time faculties with 1,117 faculties while Cal Poly has 931 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-Long Beachvs.California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Long Beach, CaliforniaLocationSan Luis Obispo, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$7,374
Out-Of-State$19,974
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,161
Out-Of-State$33,230
72%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$11,350Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,264
46.27 %Acceptance Rates31.32 %
16.68 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)24.61 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
69 %Graduation Rate86 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
87 %Retention Rate96 %
42,003Student Population23,069
1,117Number of Faculties931
23 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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