Head-to-Head Comparison
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL
- California Polytechnic Wins
- 27
- Tied
- 12
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Wins
- 5
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $16,665 vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. 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.
44 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
California Polytechnic
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,768 ten years after enrollment, 8% more than Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,665, roughly $24,607 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 86% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 31% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
California Polytechnic graduates concentrate in Engineering (23% of degrees); Embry-Riddle Aeronautical in Transportation (41%). 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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Median earnings of $90,768 ten years after enrollment vs $84,131.
Pick California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. Net price $16,665 vs $41,272.
Pick California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. 86% completion rate vs 67%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach are close on paper, but California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is the harder admit. It takes 31% of applicants, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach takes 65%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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 $24,607 a year below Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's $41,272. Graduates of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $23,666.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $98,428 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, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates report median earnings of $90,768, compared with $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach. That is a 8% advantage. Set against borrowing, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.2x to 0.28x.
So what: An earnings gap of 8% 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
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates a larger share of its students, 86% versus 67%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 19% 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.
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
Their academic identities diverge. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo concentrates enrollment in Computer Science & IT, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach leans toward Transportation. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Students who want a smaller campus: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's enrollment of 21,996 far exceeds Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach's 7,860.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,272 runs well above California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's $16,665.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $23,666, against $18,500 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
- Business and consulting-track students: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach has less business program depth, and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical 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) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
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.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL · Private nonprofit
Students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach can expect to earn an average of $84,131 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential makes it a compelling choice for those looking to invest in their future.
The Opportunity Insights data isn't available for Embry-Riddle, but the statistics on graduation and job placement suggest that students have a solid chance of finding success post-graduation. With a graduation rate of 67%, students are likely to complete their degrees and enter the workforce equipped with skills that are in demand.
The net price to attend is $41,272, with a median debt of $23,666. This balance is manageable considering the earning potential graduates enjoy. Students who thrive here are typically those drawn to aviation, engineering, and technical fields, seeking hands-on experience and a pathway to a stable career.
Rankings They Appear On
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is featured on the Best Engineering Colleges in California ranking.
Top Degree Programs
California Polytechnic's top program is Mechanical Engineering (23% of enrollment), while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical leads with Supply Chain Management (41%).
California Polytechnic
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California Polytechnic) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical).
The two schools feed different job markets. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, while Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach concentrates in Transportation, Criminal Justice. 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.
California Polytechnic
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is harder to get into, admitting 31% of applicants compared with 65% at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Which is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,665 after aid versus $41,272 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach graduates earn more?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,768 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,131 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach.
Which has a better graduation rate, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 67%.
Should you choose California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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