California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo California

Polytechnic university in San Luis Obispo focused on engineering with 29.8% acceptance rate and 22,485 students.

College statistics

Address:
1 Grand Ave.
San Luis Obispo, CA
93407
Sector Group:
Public 4-Year or Above
Official Website:
calpoly.edu/
Setting:
Suburb
Research Activity Tier:
Research Colleges and Universities
Economic Mobility Index:
Lower Access, Higher Earnings
Primary Undergraduate Major:
Engineering

California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo is a public research institution serving over 22,000 undergraduates and graduate students. Known for its engineering-focused curriculum and hands-on learning approach, the university sits in a suburban setting on California's Central Coast and emphasizes project-based education across its programs.

In-state students pay $6,084 annually in tuition, with a total cost of attendance of $25,496 including room and board. Out-of-state tuition is $18,684, bringing total out-of-state costs to $38,096. Admission is selective, with an acceptance rate of 29.8%, and the university enrolls a mix of undergraduate and graduate students across multiple colleges.

The university reports a lower-access, higher-earnings mobility profile, indicating it enrolls fewer low-income students relative to peer institutions but graduates are competitive in the job market. This school works best for students seeking practical, project-centered engineering and technical education in a collaborative environment. For more information, visit calpoly.edu/.