About

About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

learn by doingpolytechnic institutionselective public universityengineering focused

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is a public university in San Luis Obispo, CA, known for its learn by doing, polytechnic institution, and selective public university. With an acceptance rate of 30%, Cal Poly is selective, typically enrolling around 5,110 students each year. Cal Poly is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1240–1420, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Cal Poly offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $10,914 per year; the sticker price of $47,590 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo acceptance rate and admitted student profile

selective

30%
Overall Accept Rate
4.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1330
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1240 – 1420 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Cal Poly's identity is built around its 'Learn by Doing' philosophy, so use your essays and activities to show hands-on projects, real-world making, building, or problem-solving. Admissions wants to see that you already think and work like a practitioner in your field.
Test Score Strategy
Since Cal Poly is test-optional, you do not need to submit scores that fall below the middle range of admitted students. Keeping them out of your application lets your GPA, rigorous coursework, and hands-on experience speak for you instead.

Get a tailored strategy for California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$48k/yr$7.5k
30k-48k~$48k/yr$7.3k
48k-75k~$48k/yr$9.9k
75k-110k~$48k/yr$15.8k
110k+~$48k/yr$27.8k

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Personalize this page

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

85%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$72k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
21:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
20,269
Undergrad Enrollment