Head-to-Head Comparison
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs University of Florida
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
- California Polytechnic Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 19
- Florida Wins
- 23
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Florida offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $6,541 vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's $16,665, University of Florida delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Florida's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
51 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, 27% more than University of Florida
Florida
- Lower cost: Average net price of $6,541, roughly $10,124 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 91% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 24% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
California Polytechnic graduates concentrate in Engineering (23% of degrees); Florida in Engineering (15%). 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 Florida. Median earnings of $90,768 ten years after enrollment vs $71,588.
Pick University of Florida over California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Net price $6,541 vs $16,665.
Pick University of Florida over California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. 91% completion rate vs 86%.
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 Florida are close on paper, but University of Florida wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
University of Florida is the harder admit. It takes 24% 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, University of Florida 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 Florida comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $6,541, about $10,124 a year below California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's $16,665. Graduates of University of Florida also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $18,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $40,496 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Florida 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 $71,588 at University of Florida. That is a 27% advantage. Set against borrowing, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.2x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 27% 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
University of Florida graduates a larger share of its students, 91% versus 86%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 6% 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 University of Florida 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 Florida saves about $10,124 a year, yet California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn $19,180 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 Computer Science & IT, while University of Florida leans toward Biology & Biomedical. 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 Florida's $6,541.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $18,500, against $15,000 at University of Florida.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Florida's enrollment of 35,629 far exceeds California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's 21,996.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Florida holds onto its admits more tightly: 42% of admitted students enroll, versus 26% at California Polytechnic — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at California Polytechnic, where only about 23% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
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 Mobility (Chetty) 3 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 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 Florida
Gainesville, FL · Public
The University of Florida has a graduation rate of 91%. This high rate reflects the school's commitment to student success and academic support. With nearly 36,000 students enrolled, it stands as a large public institution that excels in helping students complete their degrees.
According to Opportunity Insights data, the University of Florida ranks well for upward mobility, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. While specific mobility rates are not available, the strong graduation rate suggests that many students are able to advance economically after earning their degrees. Graduates tend to see significant earnings growth, with a median income of $71,588 a decade post-graduation.
The net price for attending the University of Florida is $6,541, making it an affordable option for many students. With a median debt of only $15,000, graduates can enter the workforce without overwhelming financial burdens. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Engineering, Business, Biology, and Health Professions, benefiting from strong career prospects in those fields.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Florida is featured on the Colleges With the Highest ROI ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Mechanical Engineering as their top enrolled program field, comprising 23% of California Polytechnic's student body and 15% of Florida's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for California Polytechnic) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Florida).
The two schools feed different job markets. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is strongest in Computer Science & IT, while University of Florida concentrates in Social Sciences. 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 University of Florida?
University of Florida is harder to get into, admitting 24% of applicants compared with 31% at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Which is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of Florida?
University of Florida is more affordable, with an average net price of $6,541 after aid versus $16,665 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of Florida graduates earn more?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,768 ten years after enrollment, versus $71,588 at University of Florida.
Which has a better graduation rate, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of Florida?
University of Florida has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 86%.
Should you choose California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of Florida?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Florida 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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