Overview
California Polytechnic State University—San Luis Obispo is a public university established in 1901. As of fall 2023, it has 21,497 undergraduate students and a sprawling 9,178-acre campus. The school follows a quarter-based academic calendar. In the 2025 Best Colleges rankings, it holds the #1 spot among Regional Universities West. For in-state students, tuition and fees are 13,596,whileout−of−statestudentspay13,596,whileout−of−statestudentspay20,112.
At-a-Glance
- Setting: N/A
- In-State Tuition & Fees: $13,596
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 21,497
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Location: 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93407
2025 Rankings
Schools are ranked based on widely accepted indicators of excellence. Here’s how Cal Poly—San Luis Obispo stacks up:
- #1 in Regional Universities West
- #1 in Top Public Schools
- #7 in Best Value Schools
Tuition & Financial Aid
Cal Poly—San Luis Obispo charges 13,596forin−statestudentsand13,596forin−statestudentsand20,112 for out-of-state students. Compared to the national average (12,201in−state,12,201in−state,29,084 out-of-state), it’s pricier for locals but more affordable for non-residents.
These costs cover tuition and fees (the “sticker price”), which may include library access, gym facilities, tech resources, and health services.
When budgeting, consider the total cost (tuition + housing, food, books, supplies, and personal expenses):
- In-State Total Cost: $33,450
- Out-of-State Total Cost: $39,588
After financial aid and scholarships, the average net price drops to:
- In-State (Need-Based Aid): $17,583
- Out-of-State (Need-Based Aid): $33,794
Tuition & Expenses (2024-25)
- In-State Tuition & Fees: $13,596
- Out-of-State Tuition & Fees: $20,112
- Net Price for Federal Loan Recipients (2021-2022): $18,766
Net Price by Family Income (2021-2022)
| Family Income | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 0–0–30,000 | $10,117 |
| 30,001–30,001–48,000 | $10,842 |
| 48,001–48,001–75,000 | $14,619 |
| 75,001–75,001–110,000 | $22,251 |
| $110,001+ | $28,119 |
- Food & Housing: $18,225
Academics
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
- Small Classes (<20 students): 17.7%
- Top Majors: Engineering (24%), Business (17%), Agriculture (10%), Social Sciences (5%), Architecture, Biology, Computer Science, Kinesiology, Environmental Studies, and Interdisciplinary Programs.
- Freshman Retention Rate: 95% (a strong indicator of student satisfaction).