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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
One of two polytechnics in the CSU System, the California Polytechnic State University, more commonly known as Cal Poly, has a competitive admissions process for its programs, which focus in arts, technology, and sciences. The university is located in San Luis Obispo, 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean and smackdab between LA and San Francisco. The 9,678-acre land holding includes three ranches, the Valencia Property, and, of course, the 1,321-acre campus offering 65 bachelor’s, 84 minors, and 39 master’s degrees. Cal Poly’s philosophy is “Learn By Doing,” and many classes include a significant portion of laboratory and field work in their curriculums.
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Suburb or town
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
No
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Regular Decision | November 30 | May 1 |
Admitted Student Stats
42%
Submitting ACT
80%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 30
Average SAT Composite: 1342
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Master's
Total Number of Students
22,000
Total Number of Undergrads
21,026
Classroom Sizes
0
100
53%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
83%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
20:1
US National: 21:1Tuition, Cost & Aid
Key Financial Stats
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $11,075 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $30,995 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $17,220 |
| Books and Supplies | $1089 |
Aid & Grants
0
100
72%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
17%
Average Aid Per Year
$10,065
17%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,874
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$7,410
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
27%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$6,132
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$17,000
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$186
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Student Organizations
393
Size of Town
Suburb or town
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
Yes
Housing
0
100
32%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Mustangs
School Colors
green and gold
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Big Sky Conference
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Top 5 Cities
San Francisco
San Luis Obispo
Los Angeles
San Diego
Sacramento
Employed
6 mos. after graduation
75%
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$74,300
What Students Are Saying
Cal Poly is fantastic for education, social life, and extracurricular activities. My classes have always been great with good teachers and interesting coursework. It's also so much fun, from the party scene to opportunities to get involved on campus!
Zoe from Santa Barbara, CA
Cal Poly is an academically challenging school who does well in providing its students with the necessary resources to move forward in their major. The staff is truly supportive of any concerns and do their best to help in any way. Cal Poly is also situated in San Luis Obispo, and environmentally dynamic city with much to discover.
Alyssa from Huntington Park, CA
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