Head-to-Head Comparison
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs University of California-Davis
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
University of California-Davis
Davis, CA
- California Polytechnic Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 8
- California-Davis Wins
- 14
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-Davis offers a significantly safer investment tier. While California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo achieves a higher graduation rate (86% vs 85%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $16,665 compared to University of California-Davis's $14,741 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of California-Davis's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
41 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, 12% more than University of California-Davis
- More selective: Admits 31% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
California-Davis
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,741, roughly $1,924 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $13,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
California Polytechnic graduates concentrate in Engineering (23% of degrees); California-Davis in Biology & Biomedical (18%). 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 University of California-Davis. Median earnings of $90,768 ten years after enrollment vs $80,838.
Pick University of California-Davis over California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Net price $14,741 vs $16,665.
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 University of California-Davis are close on paper, but California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is the harder admit. It takes 31% of applicants, while University of California-Davis takes 42%.
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, University of California-Davis comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $14,741, about $1,924 a year below California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's $16,665. Graduates of University of California-Davis also borrow less: median debt of $13,000, against $18,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $7,696 before any change in aid. Choosing University of California-Davis 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 $80,838 at University of California-Davis. That is a 12% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-Davis has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.16x to 0.2x.
So what: An earnings gap of 12% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of California-Davis to keep costs and debt down; pick California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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. University of California-Davis saves about $1,924 a year, yet California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn $9,930 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo concentrates enrollment in Engineering, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, while University of California-Davis leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Social Sciences, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $16,665 runs well above University of California-Davis's $14,741.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $18,500, against $13,000 at University of California-Davis.
- Engineering-focused students: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of California-Davis has less business program depth, and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-Davis's enrollment of 32,253 far exceeds California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's 21,996.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
California Polytechnic holds onto its admits more tightly: 26% of admitted students enroll, versus 16% at California-Davis — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 1 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.
University of California-Davis
Davis, CA · Public
The University of California-Davis has a graduation rate of 85%, indicating that most students successfully complete their degrees. This high rate reflects the supportive environment and resources available to students. With an acceptance rate of 42%, UC Davis attracts a competitive pool of applicants looking for solid academic outcomes.
According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, UC Davis does not have specific mobility or success rate data available. However, the school’s strong graduation rate suggests that students from various backgrounds can thrive here. The focus on programs such as Biology, Engineering, and Business supports a diverse range of career paths.
In terms of practical considerations, the net price for students is $14,741, making it relatively affordable for a public university in California. Graduates can expect to earn about $80,838 within ten years of completing their degrees. The median debt for graduates stands at $13,000, indicating manageable financial obligations. Students who thrive at UC Davis are often those engaged in collaborative learning and who seek to make an impact in fields like social sciences and engineering.
Rankings They Appear On
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and University of California-Davis appear together in 6 rankings. On the Best Engineering Colleges in California, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ranks #7 — California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo outranks University of California-Davis by 11 positions.
Top Degree Programs
California Polytechnic's top program is Mechanical Engineering (23% of enrollment), while California-Davis leads with Biology (18%).
California Polytechnic
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 California-Davis).
The two schools feed different job markets. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is strongest in Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, while University of California-Davis concentrates in Social Sciences, Psychology. 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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of California-Davis?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is harder to get into, admitting 31% of applicants compared with 42% at University of California-Davis.
Which is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of California-Davis?
University of California-Davis is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,741 after aid versus $16,665 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of California-Davis graduates earn more?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,768 ten years after enrollment, versus $80,838 at University of California-Davis.
Which has a better graduation rate, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of California-Davis?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 85%.
Should you choose California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of California-Davis?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of California-Davis if affordability and lower debt come first; choose California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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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