Head-to-Head Comparison
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs University of San Francisco
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
- California Polytechnic Wins
- 22
- Tied
- 22
- San Francisco Wins
- 10
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 University of San Francisco's $41,431, 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.
54 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, 1% more than University of San Francisco
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,665, roughly $24,766 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
San Francisco
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); San Francisco in Business & Marketing (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 San Francisco. Median earnings of $90,768 ten years after enrollment vs $89,812.
Pick California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo over University of San Francisco. Net price $16,665 vs $41,431.
Pick California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo over University of San Francisco. 86% completion rate vs 71%.
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 San Francisco 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 University of San Francisco takes 62%.
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 $24,766 a year below University of San Francisco's $41,431. Graduates of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $23,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $99,064 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 $89,812 at University of San Francisco. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.2x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 1% 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 71%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 15% 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 Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while University of San Francisco leans toward Health Professions, Psychology. 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 University of San Francisco's 5,287.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,431 runs well above California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's $16,665.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $23,000, against $18,500 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
- Engineering-focused students: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
California Polytechnic holds onto its admits more tightly: 26% of admitted students enroll, versus 6% at San Francisco — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. San Francisco 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. 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) 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
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 San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Private nonprofit
Students at the University of San Francisco can expect to earn an average of $89,812 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. With an acceptance rate of 62%, the university maintains a balance of accessibility and selectivity.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for this institution, but the outcomes for graduates suggest a solid return on investment. The graduation rate stands at 71%, indicating that a significant majority of students complete their degrees. This completion rate, combined with the potential earnings, points to a pathway for upward mobility.
Tuition at the University of San Francisco has a net price of $41,431, which is a notable consideration for prospective students. Graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Business, Health Professions, and Social Sciences, aligning their education with market demand and job opportunities.
Rankings They Appear On
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and University of San Francisco appear together in 3 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Communications, University of San Francisco ranks #10 — University of San Francisco outranks California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo by 4 positions.
Top Degree Programs
California Polytechnic's top program is Mechanical Engineering (23% of enrollment), while San Francisco leads with Business Administration (18%).
California Polytechnic
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 San Francisco).
The two schools feed different job markets. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, while University of San Francisco concentrates in Health Professions, Psychology, 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 San Francisco?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is harder to get into, admitting 31% of applicants compared with 62% at University of San Francisco.
Which is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of San Francisco?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,665 after aid versus $41,431 at University of San Francisco.
Do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of San Francisco graduates earn more?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,768 ten years after enrollment, versus $89,812 at University of San Francisco.
Which has a better graduation rate, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of San Francisco?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the higher graduation rate, 86% versus 71%.
Should you choose California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of San Francisco?
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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