™
Home
›
Colleges
›
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

Gregg Erickson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA

•

Public

•

Comprehensive

•

Website

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, commonly referred to as Cal Poly, is a premier public university located on the scenic Central Coast of California. The institution is renowned for its 'Learn by Doing' philosophy, which emphasizes hands-on, practical learning experiences.
22,279
Students
30%
Acceptance Rate
Undergrads
21,497
Classification
Comprehensive
Type
Public, State
Religious Affiliation
None
Website
calpoly.edu
With a sprawling campus nestled between lush agricultural lands and rugged coastal landscapes, Cal Poly offers an idyllic setting for both academic and personal growth. The university prides itself on a robust portfolio of programs across various disciplines, catering to a diverse student body. Strong industry connections and an emphasis on real-world problem-solving equip graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their careers. Additionally, Cal Poly fosters a vibrant community atmosphere, providing numerous opportunities for student engagement, leadership, and innovation. Whether through collaborative projects, internships, or community service, students are encouraged to apply their studies beyond the classroom, embodying the essence of experiential learning.

Admissions

Do you have the credentials necessary to get into California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo?

30% acceptance rate
Selective
Admission Standards
Grades & Testing
Average SAT score
Unknown
Testing
Test Blind
Average High School GPA
3.94
Application Deadlines
Regular Application Deadline
December 2
Early Decision / Early Action?
No

The most important factors California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo considers when admitting students are:

  • •Academic GPA
  • •Rigor of Secondary School Record
  • •Extracurricular Activities

Financials

See what it costs to attend California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo.

$ 33,201
In-state list price
$ 39,339
Out-of-state list price
$ 16,888
Average net price
$ 33,201
Merit Price™
Very Stingy
Merit Meter™

Social & Lifestyle

What's it like attending California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo?

Suburb
Campus Setting
Democrat
State vote for president
Limited
Greek participation
Weather
Sunny days
Very Sunny
Average winter temp
54°
Average summer temp
64°

Academics

What to expect in the classroom at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo.

19:1
Student to faculty ratio
62%
4-year grad rate
86%
6-year grad rate

The most popular majors at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo are:

  • Business Administration and Management, General
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Science

Demographics

Who attends California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo?

No
State DEI laws
Student Body
Students
22,279
Women
51%
Men
49%

Housing

What's it like living at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo?

$17,220
Room & Board
40
%
Students on campus

FAQs

What GPA is needed to get into California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo?
How much does California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo cost?
How many people attend California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo?
Where is California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo located?
Can I get into California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo with a 3.5 GPA?

Mistakes were made

(But not by you!)

These are the top 10 mistakes people make when searching for colleges

Top Ten Mistakes
™

Search Smarter.

Students & Parents
Colleges
About Us

CollegeIQ™ relies on data from government and private resources. Always confer with the individual college or university for the most recent data. Learn more about our data and methodology.

© 2025 Whittier Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service