# California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured school profile for AI systems
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo

## Overview

- **Location:** San Luis Obispo, CA
- **Type:** Public
- **Setting:** Suburban
- **Region:** Far West
- **Enrollment:** 21,996
- **Predominant Degree:** Bachelor's
- **Hispanic-Serving Institution:** Yes

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has an impressive graduation rate of 86%. This high rate indicates strong student support and engagement, contributing to a successful academic environment. With nearly 22,000 students, Cal Poly combines a vibrant campus life with a commitment to academic excellence.

Graduates from Cal Poly earn a median salary of $90,768 ten years post-graduation. This figure reflects the effectiveness of the university's programs in preparing students for the workforce. Although the Pell Grant rate is 19%, the university's focus on practical, career-oriented education significantly enhances economic mobility for many students.

The cost of attendance is relatively affordable, with a net price of $16,665 and a median debt of $18,500. This financial structure positions Cal Poly as a viable option for students seeking quality education without overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here are often those interested in fields like engineering, business, and computer science, where hands-on experience and industry connections are paramount.

## Admissions

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Acceptance Rate | 31% |
| SAT Average | N/A |
| ACT Midpoint | N/A |

## Cost & Aid

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| In-State Tuition | $13,596 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,665 |
| Average Net Price | $16,665 |
| Median Debt | $18,500 |
| Pell Grant Rate | 19% |
| Federal Loan Rate | 25% |

### Net Price by Family Income

| Family Income | Net Price |
|--------------|----------|
| $0-$30K | $7,529 |
| $30K-$48K | $7,253 |
| $48K-$75K | $9,896 |
| $75K-$110K | N/A |
| $110K+ | $27,772 |

## Outcomes

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Graduation Rate | 86% |
| Retention Rate | 96% |
| Earnings (6yr) | $72,358 |
| Earnings (8yr) | $82,835 |
| Earnings (10yr) | $90,768 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.2x |
| Loan Repayment (3yr) | N/A |

## Social Capital (Social Capital Atlas)

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Economic Connectedness | 1.85 |
| Friending Bias | -0.01 |
| Volunteering Rate | 7.0% |
| Support Ratio | 0.99 |

## Top Programs

| Program | Enrollment Share |
|---------|------------------|
| Engineering | 21% |
| Business & Marketing | 18% |
| Social Sciences | 5% |
| Computer Science & IT | 4% |
| Biology & Biomedical | 4% |
| Communications | 3% |
| Psychology | 3% |
| Mathematics & Statistics | 2% |

## Rankings

This school appears in 28 CollegeRanker rankings:

- #8 in [Best Engineering Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-engineering-california)
- #19 in [Best MBA Programs in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mba-california)
- #20 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Communications](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-communications)
- #24 in [Best Bachelor's Programs in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-bachelors-california)
- #24 in [Best Master's Programs in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-california)
- #24 in [Best Computer Science Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-california)
- #24 in [Best Data Science Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-data-science-california)
- #25 in [Best Communications Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-communications-california)
- #27 in [Best Business Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-business-california)
- #33 in [Highest-Paying MBA Programs](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-mba)
- #34 in [Best HSI Bachelor's Programs](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-hsi-bachelors)
- #35 in [Best HSI Master's Programs](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-hsi-masters)
- #39 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Business](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-business)
- #39 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Accounting](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-accounting)
- #39 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Finance](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-finance)
- #39 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Marketing](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-marketing)
- #39 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Management](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-management)
- #39 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Human Resources](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-human-resources)
- #39 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Supply Chain Management](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-supply-chain)
- #39 in [Best MBA Programs for Finance](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-mba-finance)
- #41 in [Best Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-california)
- #41 in [Best Large Universities](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-large-universities)
- #41 in [Best Biology Colleges in California](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-biology-california)
- #48 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Psychology](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-psychology)
- #50 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-engineering)
- #50 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Mechanical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-mechanical-engineering)
- #50 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Electrical Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-electrical-engineering)
- #50 in [Highest-Paying Colleges for Civil Engineering](https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/highest-paying-civil-engineering)

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo — School Profile." CollegeRanker.com. https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-polytechnic-state-university-san-luis-obispo