About
About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
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 engineering focused. 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
Application Strategy
Strategy tips for applying to California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
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 Income | Sticker Price | Avg. 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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Outcomes & Campus
Student outcomes and campus profile
Student Body
Student body composition
Race & Ethnicity