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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs University of Notre Dame

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

16
California Wins
17
Tied / N/A
13
University Wins

Overview

Public
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Suburban
Far West
Region
Great Lakes
21,996
Enrollment
8,818
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

31%
Acceptance Rate
11%
N/A
SAT Average
1520
N/A
ACT Midpoint
34
N/A
SAT Range
1455-1560

Cost & Financial Aid

$13,596
In-State Tuition
$65,025
$34,665
Out-of-State Tuition
$65,025
$16,665
Average Net Price
$26,780
$7,529
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$7,244
$7,253
Net Price ($30-48K)
$7,254
$9,896
Net Price ($48-75K)
$11,432
$27,772
Net Price ($110K+)
$45,321
19%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
25%
Federal Loan Rate
25%

Academics

86%
Graduation Rate
96%
96%
Retention Rate
99%
69%
Full-Time Faculty
88%
$12,673
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,830
25%
First-Gen Students
10%

Student Body

50%
Female
46%
48%
White
59%
25%
Hispanic
15%
1%
Black
5%
14%
Asian
6%
0.68
Diversity Index
0.61

Outcomes

$72,358
Earnings (6yr)
$86,210
$82,835
Earnings (8yr)
$94,844
$90,768
Earnings (10yr)
$99,980
$18,500
Median Debt
$19,000
0.2x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.19x
79%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

N/A
Mobility Rate
89.73%
N/A
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6239.9%
N/A
From Bottom 20%
143.8%
N/A
Parent Median Income
$165,400

Social Capital

1.85
Economic Connectedness
1.46
-0.01
Friending Bias
-0.01
7.0%
Volunteering Rate
4.3%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#63
N/A
Teaching Score
56.4
N/A
Research Score
45.1
N/A
Citations Score
89.1

The Overviews

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public

31% accept 86% grad $90,768 earnings $16,665 net

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 Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN · Private nonprofit

11% accept 96% grad $99,980 earnings $26,780 net

The University of Notre Dame has an impressive graduation rate of 96%. This means that the vast majority of students who start their studies here complete their degrees on time. Such a high rate indicates strong student support and academic rigor.

According to the Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility outcomes for Notre Dame students are not available. However, the strong graduation rate and high earnings after ten years suggest that graduates from this institution tend to secure stable, well-paying jobs. The average earnings for alumni reach $99,980, reflecting the quality of education and career preparation they receive.

Prospective students should consider the financial aspects as well. The net price for attending Notre Dame is $26,780, with a median debt of $19,000 after graduation. While the Pell Grant rate is 14%, students who thrive here often pursue majors in Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Biology, and Computer Science, aligning their education with strong job markets.

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