Head-to-Head Comparison
Babson College vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Babson College
Wellesley, MA
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
- Babson Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 16
- California Polytechnic Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Babson College achieves a higher graduation rate (93% vs 86%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $40,514 compared to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's $16,665 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Babson
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, 37% more than California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 17% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
California Polytechnic
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,665, roughly $23,849 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Babson graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (100% of degrees); California Polytechnic in Engineering (23%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Babson College over California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment vs $90,768.
Pick California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo over Babson College. Net price $16,665 vs $40,514.
Pick Babson College over California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. 93% completion rate vs 86%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Babson College and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo are close on paper, but Babson College wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Babson College is the harder admit. It takes 17% of applicants, while California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo takes 31%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Babson College sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,665, about $23,849 a year below Babson College's $40,514. Graduates of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $20,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $95,396 before any change in aid. Choosing California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Babson College graduates report median earnings of $123,938, compared with $90,768 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. That is a 37% advantage. Set against borrowing, Babson College has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.2x.
So what: An earnings gap of 37% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Babson College graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 86%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo to keep costs and debt down; pick Babson College for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo saves about $23,849 a year, yet Babson College graduates earn $33,170 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $40,514 runs well above California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's $16,665.
- Engineering-focused students: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's enrollment of 21,996 far exceeds Babson College's 2,728.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Babson holds onto its admits more tightly: 39% of admitted students enroll, versus 26% at California Polytechnic — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Babson offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; California Polytechnic does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Babson College
Wellesley, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 17%, Babson College is a strong fit for students who are serious about pursuing a career in business and marketing. The intimate campus environment, home to around 2,728 students, fosters collaboration and networking among peers. Here, you’ll dive deep into practical studies that prepare you for real-world challenges, focusing on business principles and marketing strategies.
When we look at life after graduation, the numbers are promising. Graduates from Babson earn an impressive average of $123,938 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure reflects the college's focus on preparing students for high-earning roles in the competitive business landscape. It's worth noting that while the median debt stands at $20,000, this is manageable for the financial trajectory many graduates experience.
Cost is a crucial factor in choosing a college, and Babson's net price after aid is $40,514. This amount may seem high, but when considering the strong earning potential and the career opportunities that arise from a Babson education, many find it to be a worthwhile investment. Students who thrive here tend to be ambitious, driven, and ready to take on challenges in the business world.
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA · Public
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.
Rankings They Appear On
Babson College and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo appear together in 10 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Business, Babson College ranks #1 — Babson College outranks California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo by 37 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Babson's top program is Business Administration (100% of enrollment), while California Polytechnic leads with Mechanical Engineering (23%).
Babson
California Polytechnic
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Babson) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California Polytechnic).
The two schools feed different job markets. while California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Babson College or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
Babson College is harder to get into, admitting 17% of applicants compared with 31% at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Which is more affordable, Babson College or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,665 after aid versus $40,514 at Babson College.
Do Babson College or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more?
Babson College graduates earn more: median earnings of $123,938 ten years after enrollment, versus $90,768 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Which has a better graduation rate, Babson College or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
Babson College has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 86%.
Should you choose Babson College or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Babson College if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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