Academic Comparison between UHM and Cal Poly

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

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.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

University of Hawaii at Manoavs.California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Honolulu, HawaiiLocationSan Luis Obispo, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$12,186
Out-Of-State$34,218
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,161
Out-Of-State$33,230
55%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$8,172Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,264
86.60 %Acceptance Rates31.32 %
21.43 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)24.61 %
1,160SAT Score-
21ACT Score-
64 %Graduation Rate86 %
-Transfer-out Rate1 %
81 %Retention Rate96 %
20,028Student Population23,069
1,076Number of Faculties931
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, 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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