Cal Poly Academic Snapshot
Admission Selectiveness:
- Admission Rate: 31.32%. Selective, indicating a somewhat competitive admission process.
Tuition Overview:
- In-State Tuition: $12,161
- Out-of-State Tuition: $33,230
- In-state tuition is affordable, while out-of-state tuition is higher, as is typical for public institutions.
Student Population at Cal Poly:
- Total Enrollment: 23,069, including 127 online students
- 22,033 Undergraduate, 1,036 Graduate
- Gender Distribution: 49.4% men, 50.6% women.
- This is a large institution, providing extensive academic options and vibrant campus life.
Graduation & Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate: 86%. High graduation rate, indicating strong student support and academic success.
- Transfer-Out Rate: 1%. Few students transfer out, suggesting most students remain through graduation.
- First-Year Retention Rate: 96%. Excellent retention, indicating students are satisfied and supported.
Programs & Degrees Offered
- Programs Offered: 134 academic programs available.
- Graduate Programs: 51 graduate-level programs offered.
- Special Programs: Health Professions.
- Degrees Awarded: Bachelor's, Master's.
Cal Poly Overview
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) is a four-year, public school located in San Luis Obispo, CA. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo was newly reclassified as an Research College/University (Master's College and University (larger programs)) in 2025 due to changes in its research activities and doctoral program offerings.
The Cal Poly's tuition & fees is $12,161 for California residents and $33,230 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2024-2025. 52% of the enrolled undergraduates have received grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of $12,264.
The school has a total enrollment of 23,069 and the students to faculty ratio is 19 to 1 (5.26%).
Cal Poly's acceptance rate is 31.32% and the yield (enrollment rate) is 24.61%.
Cal Poly ranked 23rd in California Colleges rankings. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
2025 Tuition & Fees and 2026 Estimation
For undergraduate programs, the 2025 tuition & fees of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is $12,161 for in-state students and $33,230 for out-of-state students. For graduate programs, its 2025 tuition & fees is $13,685 for in-state students and $23,765 for out-of-state students.
The estimated 2026 tuition & fees for prospective students is $13,353 for California residents and $35,626 for out-of-state students based on the current year tuition changes from last year. The estimated 2026 graduate school tuition & fees is $14,972 for California residents and $25,656 for out-of-state students.
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $12,161 | $33,230 |
|---|
| Graduate | $13,685 | $23,765 |
|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|
| Undergraduate | $13,353 | $35,626 |
|---|
| Graduate | $14,972 | $25,656 |
|---|
The estimation for 2025-2026 tuition costs is based on the cost change rates of last year.
Learning Opportunities and Campus Services
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo offers online classes (distance learning opportunities) for both undergraduate and graduate programs. It has ROTC programs and offers teacher certification programs designed to prepare students to meet the requirements for certification as teachers.
Special Learning Opportunities at Cal Poly
| Learning Opportunities |
|---|
| ROTC | Army |
|---|
| Weekend/Evening College | No |
|---|
| Teacher Certification | Yes |
|---|
| Study Abroad | Yes |
|---|
| On-Campus Services |
|---|
| Academic/career counseling service | Yes |
|---|
| Employment services for students | Yes |
|---|
| Placement services for completers | Yes |
|---|
| On-campus day care for students' children | Yes |
|---|
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Directory Information
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