California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, California

PublicBachelor's to graduateFounded 1901Small suburbSEVP certified

About

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) is a public university in San Luis Obispo County, California, United States, outside of the city limits of San Luis Obispo. Founded in 1901, it is the oldest of three polytechnic universities within the California State University system. Cal Poly emphasizes a "learn by doing" philosophy, integrating hands-on, practical experiences into its curriculum. As of fall 2025, Cal Poly had approximately 22,000 undergraduate and 900 graduate students. The university is home to several programs, including in engineering, architecture, and business. Most of the university's athletic teams participate in the Big West Conference.

Cost per year

Tuition and fees (out of state): US$37,005
Estimated total for international students: US$58,481
Tuition and fees (in state, for comparison): US$15,039
Total cost for in-state students: US$36,515

Net price calculatorcalpoly.edu

International students at public universities pay the out-of-state rate. The estimated total adds housing, food and books to that tuition; it is derived from Scorecard figures, so check the university's own cost page.

Students

Undergraduates: 21,996
Graduate students: 1,036
International undergraduates: 1%
Students per teacher: 19 to 1

Admissions

Admission rate: 31%

Test scores show the middle 50% of admitted students.

Outcomes

Graduation rate: 87%
Median earnings 10 years after starting: US$96,304

Earnings are for students who received US federal aid, so they may not reflect international graduates.

Programmes (122)

Bachelor's degrees74 subjects

Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space EngineeringAgricultural Business and ManagementAgricultural EngineeringAgricultural MechanizationAgricultural Public ServicesAgriculture, GeneralAnimal SciencesApplied Horticulture and Horticultural Business ServicesArchitectural EngineeringArchitectural Sciences and TechnologyArchitectureBiochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular BiologyBiology, GeneralBiomedical/Medical EngineeringBusiness Administration, Management and OperationsChemistryCity/Urban, Community, and Regional PlanningCivil EngineeringCommunication and Media StudiesComputer EngineeringComputer ScienceConstruction EngineeringConstruction ManagementDietetics and Clinical Nutrition ServicesDrama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftEcology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population BiologyEconomicsElectrical, Electronics, and Communications EngineeringEngineering ScienceEngineering-Related FieldsEnglish Language and Literature, GeneralEnvironmental/Environmental Health EngineeringEnvironmental/Natural Resources Management and PolicyEthnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group StudiesFine and Studio ArtsFood Science and TechnologyForestryGeological and Earth Sciences/GeosciencesGraphic CommunicationsHistoryHuman Development, Family Studies, and Related ServicesIndustrial EngineeringIndustrial Production Technologies/TechniciansJournalismLandscape ArchitectureLiberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and HumanitiesLinguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and ServicesManufacturing EngineeringMarine SciencesMaterials EngineeringMathematicsMechanical EngineeringMicrobiological Sciences and ImmunologyMulti/Interdisciplinary Studies, OtherMusicNatural Resources Conservation and ResearchNutrition SciencesParks, Recreation, and Leisure StudiesPhilosophyPhysicsPlant SciencesPolitical Science and GovernmentPsychology, GeneralPublic HealthRhetoric and Composition/Writing StudiesRomance Languages, Literatures, and LinguisticsSocial Sciences, GeneralSocial Sciences, OtherSociologySoil SciencesSports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/FitnessStatisticsTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and MethodsTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Master's degrees45 subjects

Accounting and Related ServicesAerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space EngineeringAgricultural Business and ManagementAgriculture, GeneralAnimal SciencesArchitectural EngineeringArchitectureBiology, GeneralBiomedical/Medical EngineeringBusiness Administration, Management and OperationsChemistryCity/Urban, Community, and Regional PlanningCivil EngineeringComputer ScienceCurriculum and InstructionDietetics and Clinical Nutrition ServicesEconomicsEducation, GeneralEducational Administration and SupervisionElectrical, Electronics, and Communications EngineeringEngineering, GeneralEngineering, OtherEngineering-Related FieldsEnglish Language and Literature, GeneralFire ProtectionFood Science and TechnologyForestryGraphic CommunicationsHistoryIndustrial EngineeringManagement Sciences and Quantitative MethodsMathematicsMechanical EngineeringNatural Resources Conservation and ResearchNutrition SciencesPhysicsPsychology, GeneralPublic AdministrationPublic Policy AnalysisSpecial Education and TeachingSports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/FitnessStatisticsStudent Counseling and Personnel ServicesTaxationTeacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Graduate certificates3 subjects

Engineering, OtherEngineering-Related FieldsEnglish Language and Literature, General

Subjects and degree levels reported to the US Department of Education. See the university's course catalogue for course-by-course details.