Head-to-Head Comparison
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs Washington and Lee University
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA
- California Polytechnic Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 19
- Washington Lee Wins
- 16
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Washington and Lee University achieves a higher graduation rate (94% vs 86%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $23,781 compared to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's $16,665. 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.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
California Polytechnic
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,665, roughly $7,116 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,500, the lower of the two
Washington Lee
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
- Higher grad rate: 94% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 14% 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); Washington Lee in Business & Marketing (32%). 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 Washington and Lee University over California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment vs $90,768.
Pick California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo over Washington and Lee University. Net price $16,665 vs $23,781.
Pick Washington and Lee University over California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. 94% 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 Washington and Lee University are close on paper, but Washington and Lee University 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
Washington and Lee University is the harder admit. It takes 14% 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, Washington and Lee University 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 $7,116 a year below Washington and Lee University's $23,781. Graduates of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $19,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $28,464 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, Washington and Lee University graduates report median earnings of $94,810, compared with $90,768 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. That is a 4% 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 4% 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
Washington and Lee University graduates a larger share of its students, 94% versus 86%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 9% 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; pick Washington and Lee University 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. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo saves about $7,116 a year, yet Washington and Lee University graduates earn $4,042 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, Computer Science & IT, while Washington and Lee University leans toward Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Washington and Lee University's 1,881.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $23,781 runs well above California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's $16,665.
- Engineering-focused students: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Washington Lee holds onto its admits more tightly: 41% of admitted students enroll, versus 26% at California Polytechnic — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Washington Lee 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
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.
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, VA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 14%, Washington and Lee University draws students who are serious about their education and ready to engage deeply in their studies. This private institution, located in Lexington, Virginia, is known for strong programs in Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, Psychology, and Physical Sciences. If you’re looking for a place that encourages critical thinking and a close-knit community, this might just be the right fit for you.
Graduates from Washington and Lee see impressive earnings, with a median income of $94,810 ten years after graduation. This kind of financial outcome suggests that students who excel here are well-prepared for the job market and often find themselves in higher-paying positions. The strong graduation rate of 94% also points to a supportive environment that helps students succeed academically and transition smoothly into their careers.
When it comes to the practicalities of attending Washington and Lee, the net price after aid stands at $23,781, which is relatively manageable given the high earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $19,500, students can graduate with a reasonable amount of loans, especially considering the high salaries many alumni achieve. Those who thrive here are typically driven, engaged, and ready to make the most of their educational experience.
Rankings They Appear On
Washington and Lee University is featured on the Best Colleges in Virginia ranking.
Top Degree Programs
California Polytechnic's top program is Mechanical Engineering (23% of enrollment), while Washington Lee leads with Business Administration (32%).
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 Washington Lee).
The two schools feed different job markets. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is strongest in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, while Washington and Lee University 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 Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University is harder to get into, admitting 14% 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 Washington and Lee University?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,665 after aid versus $23,781 at Washington and Lee University.
Do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Washington and Lee University graduates earn more?
Washington and Lee University graduates earn more: median earnings of $94,810 ten years after enrollment, versus $90,768 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Which has a better graduation rate, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University has the higher graduation rate, 94% versus 86%.
Should you choose California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Washington and Lee University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Washington and Lee University 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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