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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is a public campus in suburban San Luis Obispo, CA.

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What could it cost?

Start with net price after grants, then read the published costs. Each chart names its academic year and the students it covers.

Net price by family income

key chart

Average annual cost after grants for each family-income band. These group averages are not personal price quotes.

IPEDS Income brackets, 2022–23
family-income band
$6,476
family income
under $30k
$6,904
$30–48k
$11,372
$48–75k
$18,032
$75–110k
$26,920
over $110k

Average net price

$16,6652023–24Skip to data table

Average annual attendance cost after grants for the reported student group. Your own aid offer and costs may differ.

$14k$16k$18k$20k$22k200820232008: $13,8422009: $15,5952010: $15,6772011: $17,5662012: $17,1122013: $18,0472014: $17,6612015: $18,8452016: $19,9792017: $20,5922018: $21,5952019: $20,6772020: $20,6332021: $18,7662022: $15,6242023: $16,665$16,665
$15k$18k$20k200820232008: $13,8422009: $15,5952010: $15,6772011: $17,5662012: $17,1122013: $18,0472014: $17,6612015: $18,8452016: $19,9792017: $20,5922018: $21,5952019: $20,6772020: $20,6332021: $18,7662022: $15,6242023: $16,665$16,665

Average net price at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo rose from $13,842 (2008) to $16,665 (2023).

Average net price — data
YearNet price
2008$13,842
2009$15,595
2010$15,677
2011$17,566
2012$17,112
2013$18,047
2014$17,661
2015$18,845
2016$19,979
2017$20,592
2018$21,595
2019$20,677
2020$20,633
2021$18,766
2022$15,624
2023$16,665
IPEDS 16 federal reports, 2008–2023

Total cost of attendance

$32,2652024–25Skip to data table

Estimated annual attendance budget before grants, including tuition, fees, housing, food and books. Not every expense is billed by the school.

$20k$25k$30k200920242009: $18,9782010: $21,0242011: $21,4792012: $23,3732013: $23,8672014: $24,2182015: $24,5802016: $25,3002017: $25,9602018: $27,0732019: $28,3022020: $28,9272021: $28,8432022: $29,6802023: $29,9182024: $32,265$32,265
$20k$25k$30k200920242009: $18,9782010: $21,0242011: $21,4792012: $23,3732013: $23,8672014: $24,2182015: $24,5802016: $25,3002017: $25,9602018: $27,0732019: $28,3022020: $28,9272021: $28,8432022: $29,6802023: $29,9182024: $32,265$32,265

Total cost at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo rose from $18,978 (2009) to $32,265 (2024).

Total cost of attendance — data
YearCost
2009$18,978
2010$21,024
2011$21,479
2012$23,373
2013$23,867
2014$24,218
2015$24,580
2016$25,300
2017$25,960
2018$27,073
2019$28,302
2020$28,927
2021$28,843
2022$29,680
2023$29,918
2024$32,265
IPEDS Academic-year cost 2009–2024

Tuition (in-state vs out-of-state)

Skip to data table

Published tuition and fees before grants. Housing, food, books and other attendance costs are separate.

In-stateOut-of-state
$0$10k$20k$30k200020232000: $2,1352001: $2,1692002: $2,7812003: $3,4602004: $3,9742005: $4,2452006: $4,3492007: $4,6892008: $5,0352013: $8,7242014: $8,9182015: $9,0012016: $9,0752017: $9,4322018: $9,8162019: $9,9432020: $10,0712021: $10,1952022: $10,3192023: $11,075$11,075 in2000: $9,5152001: $9,5492002: $11,2412003: $11,9202004: $14,1442005: $14,4152006: $14,5192007: $14,8592008: $15,2132013: $19,8842014: $20,0782015: $20,1612016: $20,2352017: $21,3122018: $21,6962019: $23,8332020: $25,9712021: $28,1052022: $28,2292023: $30,995$30,995 out
$0$10k$20k$30k200020232000: $2,1352001: $2,1692002: $2,7812003: $3,4602004: $3,9742005: $4,2452006: $4,3492007: $4,6892008: $5,0352013: $8,7242014: $8,9182015: $9,0012016: $9,0752017: $9,4322018: $9,8162019: $9,9432020: $10,0712021: $10,1952022: $10,3192023: $11,075$11,075 in2000: $9,5152001: $9,5492002: $11,2412003: $11,9202004: $14,1442005: $14,4152006: $14,5192007: $14,8592008: $15,2132013: $19,8842014: $20,0782015: $20,1612016: $20,2352017: $21,3122018: $21,6962019: $23,8332020: $25,9712021: $28,1052022: $28,2292023: $30,995$30,995 out

Tuition — data
YearIn-stateOut-of-state
2000$2,135$9,515
2001$2,169$9,549
2002$2,781$11,241
2003$3,460$11,920
2004$3,974$14,144
2005$4,245$14,415
2006$4,349$14,519
2007$4,689$14,859
2008$5,035$15,213
2013$8,724$19,884
2014$8,918$20,078
2015$9,001$20,161
2016$9,075$20,235
2017$9,432$21,312
2018$9,816$21,696
2019$9,943$23,833
2020$10,071$25,971
2021$10,195$28,105
2022$10,319$28,229
2023$11,075$30,995
IPEDS Published price 2000–01 to 2023–24 (not adjusted for inflation)
Cost, size & completion summary

Cost, size & completion

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo reports published tuition by residency: $13,596 in-state versus $34,665 out-of-state — a $21,069 gap that makes state lines part of the decision. Scorecard snapshot: 2026-06-10; historical charts show their own years.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo reports 21,996 undergraduates. This total does not establish class sizes for a particular subject.

86.4% of first-time, full-time bachelor's entrants completed at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo within six years (2026-06-10 release). This measure excludes other student groups.

Do students finish — and what comes after?

Graduation, debt and earnings cover different groups. Read each chart's entering class or fiscal period; they are not one group's journey.

Six-year graduation rate

key chart
86.4%entered Fall 2018Skip to data table

The share of first-time, full-time bachelor's entrants who completed at this institution within six years. Other students are not included.

60%70%80%entered 1991entered 2018entered 1991: 55.1%entered 1992: 59%entered 1993: 64%entered 1994: 64.4%entered 1995: 65.9%entered 1996: 64.5%entered 1997: 64.6%entered 1998: 68.7%entered 1999: 68.8%entered 2000: 66.9%entered 2001: 66.1%entered 2002: 69.4%entered 2003: 71.7%entered 2004: 72.9%entered 2005: 74.6%entered 2006: 72.2%entered 2007: 69.7%entered 2008: 75%entered 2009: 75.8%entered 2010: 79.7%entered 2011: 82.1%entered 2012: 81.7%entered 2013: 82%entered 2014: 83.1%entered 2015: 85.4%entered 2016: 85.5%entered 2017: 85.2%entered 2018: 86.4%86.4%
60%70%80%entered 1991entered 2018entered 1991: 55.1%entered 1992: 59%entered 1993: 64%entered 1994: 64.4%entered 1995: 65.9%entered 1996: 64.5%entered 1997: 64.6%entered 1998: 68.7%entered 1999: 68.8%entered 2000: 66.9%entered 2001: 66.1%entered 2002: 69.4%entered 2003: 71.7%entered 2004: 72.9%entered 2005: 74.6%entered 2006: 72.2%entered 2007: 69.7%entered 2008: 75%entered 2009: 75.8%entered 2010: 79.7%entered 2011: 82.1%entered 2012: 81.7%entered 2013: 82%entered 2014: 83.1%entered 2015: 85.4%entered 2016: 85.5%entered 2017: 85.2%entered 2018: 86.4%86.4%

The six-year graduation rate at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo rose from 55.1% (entered 1991) to 86.4% (entered 2018).

A six-year rate can only describe a class that entered six or more years ago — by definition the last point on the line is that old.

Six-year graduation rate — data
YearGraduated within 6 yrs
1991 cohort55.1%
1992 cohort59%
1993 cohort64%
1994 cohort64.4%
1995 cohort65.9%
1996 cohort64.5%
1997 cohort64.6%
1998 cohort68.7%
1999 cohort68.8%
2000 cohort66.9%
2001 cohort66.1%
2002 cohort69.4%
2003 cohort71.7%
2004 cohort72.9%
2005 cohort74.6%
2006 cohort72.2%
2007 cohort69.7%
2008 cohort75%
2009 cohort75.8%
2010 cohort79.7%
2011 cohort82.1%
2012 cohort81.7%
2013 cohort82%
2014 cohort83.1%
2015 cohort85.4%
2016 cohort85.5%
2017 cohort85.2%
2018 cohort86.4%
IPEDS Entering cohorts 1991–2018

Median debt at exit (completers vs non-completers)

Historical student groups
key chart
Skip to data table

Median federal student loan debt when students left school, shown separately for those who completed and those who did not.

CompletedLeft without degree
$10k$15k$20kLeft school in fiscal years 1997 and 1998 (FY1997/98)Left school in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 (FY2020/21)Left school in fiscal years 1997 and 1998 (FY1997/98): $13,109Left school in fiscal years 1998 and 1999 (FY1998/99): $13,400Left school in fiscal years 1999 and 2000 (FY1999/00): $13,625Left school in fiscal years 2000 and 2001 (FY2000/01): $13,530Left school in fiscal years 2001 and 2002 (FY2001/02): $13,531Left school in fiscal years 2002 and 2003 (FY2002/03): $13,625Left school in fiscal years 2003 and 2004 (FY2003/04): $14,086Left school in fiscal years 2004 and 2005 (FY2004/05): $14,183Left school in fiscal years 2005 and 2006 (FY2005/06): $14,597Left school in fiscal years 2006 and 2007 (FY2006/07): $14,666Left school in fiscal years 2007 and 2008 (FY2007/08): $13,618Left school in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 (FY2008/09): $15,670Left school in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 (FY2009/10): $15,273Left school in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 (FY2010/11): $16,125Left school in fiscal years 2011 and 2012 (FY2011/12): $17,606Left school in fiscal years 2012 and 2013 (FY2012/13): $18,369Left school in fiscal years 2013 and 2014 (FY2013/14): $19,000Left school in fiscal years 2014 and 2015 (FY2014/15): $19,000Left school in fiscal years 2015 and 2016 (FY2015/16): $18,500Left school in fiscal years 2016 and 2017 (FY2016/17): $18,631Left school in fiscal years 2017 and 2018 (FY2017/18): $19,500Left school in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 (FY2018/19): $19,501Left school in fiscal years 2019 and 2020 (FY2019/20): $19,500Left school in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 (FY2020/21): $18,500$18,500 completedLeft school in fiscal years 1997 and 1998 (FY1997/98): $10,125Left school in fiscal years 1998 and 1999 (FY1998/99): $11,000Left school in fiscal years 1999 and 2000 (FY1999/00): $11,240Left school in fiscal years 2000 and 2001 (FY2000/01): $11,000Left school in fiscal years 2001 and 2002 (FY2001/02): $10,920Left school in fiscal years 2002 and 2003 (FY2002/03): $11,000Left school in fiscal years 2003 and 2004 (FY2003/04): $11,000Left school in fiscal years 2004 and 2005 (FY2004/05): $11,000Left school in fiscal years 2005 and 2006 (FY2005/06): $12,199Left school in fiscal years 2006 and 2007 (FY2006/07): $12,132Left school in fiscal years 2007 and 2008 (FY2007/08): $11,625Left school in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 (FY2008/09): $11,000Left school in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 (FY2009/10): $8,314Left school in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 (FY2010/11): $8,332Left school in fiscal years 2011 and 2012 (FY2011/12): $9,500Left school in fiscal years 2012 and 2013 (FY2012/13): $9,322Left school in fiscal years 2013 and 2014 (FY2013/14): $9,166Left school in fiscal years 2014 and 2015 (FY2014/15): $9,166Left school in fiscal years 2015 and 2016 (FY2015/16): $9,500Left school in fiscal years 2016 and 2017 (FY2016/17): $10,500Left school in fiscal years 2017 and 2018 (FY2017/18): $9,834Left school in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 (FY2018/19): $10,634Left school in fiscal years 2019 and 2020 (FY2019/20): $10,281Left school in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 (FY2020/21): $9,166$9,166 left
$10k$15k$20kLeft school in fiscal years 1997 and 1998 (FY1997/98)Left school in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 (FY2020/21)Left school in fiscal years 1997 and 1998 (FY1997/98): $13,109Left school in fiscal years 1998 and 1999 (FY1998/99): $13,400Left school in fiscal years 1999 and 2000 (FY1999/00): $13,625Left school in fiscal years 2000 and 2001 (FY2000/01): $13,530Left school in fiscal years 2001 and 2002 (FY2001/02): $13,531Left school in fiscal years 2002 and 2003 (FY2002/03): $13,625Left school in fiscal years 2003 and 2004 (FY2003/04): $14,086Left school in fiscal years 2004 and 2005 (FY2004/05): $14,183Left school in fiscal years 2005 and 2006 (FY2005/06): $14,597Left school in fiscal years 2006 and 2007 (FY2006/07): $14,666Left school in fiscal years 2007 and 2008 (FY2007/08): $13,618Left school in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 (FY2008/09): $15,670Left school in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 (FY2009/10): $15,273Left school in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 (FY2010/11): $16,125Left school in fiscal years 2011 and 2012 (FY2011/12): $17,606Left school in fiscal years 2012 and 2013 (FY2012/13): $18,369Left school in fiscal years 2013 and 2014 (FY2013/14): $19,000Left school in fiscal years 2014 and 2015 (FY2014/15): $19,000Left school in fiscal years 2015 and 2016 (FY2015/16): $18,500Left school in fiscal years 2016 and 2017 (FY2016/17): $18,631Left school in fiscal years 2017 and 2018 (FY2017/18): $19,500Left school in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 (FY2018/19): $19,501Left school in fiscal years 2019 and 2020 (FY2019/20): $19,500Left school in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 (FY2020/21): $18,500$18,500 completedLeft school in fiscal years 1997 and 1998 (FY1997/98): $10,125Left school in fiscal years 1998 and 1999 (FY1998/99): $11,000Left school in fiscal years 1999 and 2000 (FY1999/00): $11,240Left school in fiscal years 2000 and 2001 (FY2000/01): $11,000Left school in fiscal years 2001 and 2002 (FY2001/02): $10,920Left school in fiscal years 2002 and 2003 (FY2002/03): $11,000Left school in fiscal years 2003 and 2004 (FY2003/04): $11,000Left school in fiscal years 2004 and 2005 (FY2004/05): $11,000Left school in fiscal years 2005 and 2006 (FY2005/06): $12,199Left school in fiscal years 2006 and 2007 (FY2006/07): $12,132Left school in fiscal years 2007 and 2008 (FY2007/08): $11,625Left school in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 (FY2008/09): $11,000Left school in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 (FY2009/10): $8,314Left school in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 (FY2010/11): $8,332Left school in fiscal years 2011 and 2012 (FY2011/12): $9,500Left school in fiscal years 2012 and 2013 (FY2012/13): $9,322Left school in fiscal years 2013 and 2014 (FY2013/14): $9,166Left school in fiscal years 2014 and 2015 (FY2014/15): $9,166Left school in fiscal years 2015 and 2016 (FY2015/16): $9,500Left school in fiscal years 2016 and 2017 (FY2016/17): $10,500Left school in fiscal years 2017 and 2018 (FY2017/18): $9,834Left school in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 (FY2018/19): $10,634Left school in fiscal years 2019 and 2020 (FY2019/20): $10,281Left school in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 (FY2020/21): $9,166$9,166 left

Each point combines two years. Neighboring points share one year, so changes should be read with that overlap in mind.

These two-year windows closed before today's students borrowed — they describe past cohorts, not the current price of a degree.

Median debt at exit — data
YearCompletedLeft without degree
Left school in fiscal years 1997 and 1998 (FY1997/98)$13,109$10,125
Left school in fiscal years 1998 and 1999 (FY1998/99)$13,400$11,000
Left school in fiscal years 1999 and 2000 (FY1999/00)$13,625$11,240
Left school in fiscal years 2000 and 2001 (FY2000/01)$13,530$11,000
Left school in fiscal years 2001 and 2002 (FY2001/02)$13,531$10,920
Left school in fiscal years 2002 and 2003 (FY2002/03)$13,625$11,000
Left school in fiscal years 2003 and 2004 (FY2003/04)$14,086$11,000
Left school in fiscal years 2004 and 2005 (FY2004/05)$14,183$11,000
Left school in fiscal years 2005 and 2006 (FY2005/06)$14,597$12,199
Left school in fiscal years 2006 and 2007 (FY2006/07)$14,666$12,132
Left school in fiscal years 2007 and 2008 (FY2007/08)$13,618$11,625
Left school in fiscal years 2008 and 2009 (FY2008/09)$15,670$11,000
Left school in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 (FY2009/10)$15,273$8,314
Left school in fiscal years 2010 and 2011 (FY2010/11)$16,125$8,332
Left school in fiscal years 2011 and 2012 (FY2011/12)$17,606$9,500
Left school in fiscal years 2012 and 2013 (FY2012/13)$18,369$9,322
Left school in fiscal years 2013 and 2014 (FY2013/14)$19,000$9,166
Left school in fiscal years 2014 and 2015 (FY2014/15)$19,000$9,166
Left school in fiscal years 2015 and 2016 (FY2015/16)$18,500$9,500
Left school in fiscal years 2016 and 2017 (FY2016/17)$18,631$10,500
Left school in fiscal years 2017 and 2018 (FY2017/18)$19,500$9,834
Left school in fiscal years 2018 and 2019 (FY2018/19)$19,501$10,634
Left school in fiscal years 2019 and 2020 (FY2019/20)$19,500$10,281
Left school in fiscal years 2020 and 2021 (FY2020/21)$18,500$9,166
NSLDS GRAD_DEBT_MDN / WDRAW_DEBT_MDN, merged FY periods · via College Scorecard

Earnings after entry

Historical student groups

Median annual earnings after entering college, for federally aided students who were working and not enrolled when measured.

Entered: academic years 2013–14 or 2014–15
$72,358
6 years after entry
Entered: academic years 2011–12 or 2012–13
$82,835
8 years after entry
Entered: academic years 2009–10 or 2010–11
$90,768
10 years after entry

Each figure covers a different group of students who entered college in the stated years. Earnings were measured in the same two years; these are not one group followed over time.

Measured in 2020–21, adjusted for inflation to 2022 dollars. Each figure pools two entering academic years.

Treasury Pooled entering cohorts · Scorecard 2020–21 historical file

What does the admissions record show?

Rates and score ranges describe a past admissions cycle. Submitted scores are not cutoffs or a prediction of admission.

Admissions snapshot & test policies

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo admitted 21,416 of 68,371 applicants in Fall 2024. The 31.3% rate describes that application pool.

31.3%
acceptance rate · Fall 2024 admissions cycle
rate trend$11,075 in-state tuition · 2023–2421,996 undergraduates · Fall 2024
Tests not considered · Fall 2024

Not sure where you stand? Estimate your GPA →

Admissions

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo did not consider scores in the Fall 2024 admissions cycle. No score range is displayed for California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo under that historical policy.

Check current requirements with admissions.

In the Fall 2024 cycle, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo received 68,371 applications and admitted 21,416 (31.3%), with 5,271 enrolling.

Acceptance rate

31.3%Fall 2024Skip to data table

The share of applicants offered a spot — lower means more selective; read it alongside the score ranges below.

20%30%40%200120242001: 21.2%2002: 19.4%2003: 15.3%2004: 15.9%2005: 14.4%2006: 17.3%2007: 46.6%2008: 44.8%2009: 33.3%2010: 37.3%2011: 32.5%2012: 37.4%2013: 31.2%2014: 30.9%2015: 31.3%2016: 29.5%2017: 34.6%2018: 30.2%2019: 28.4%2020: 38.4%2021: 33%2022: 30.4%2023: 29.8%2024: 31.3%31.3%
20%30%40%200120242001: 21.2%2002: 19.4%2003: 15.3%2004: 15.9%2005: 14.4%2006: 17.3%2007: 46.6%2008: 44.8%2009: 33.3%2010: 37.3%2011: 32.5%2012: 37.4%2013: 31.2%2014: 30.9%2015: 31.3%2016: 29.5%2017: 34.6%2018: 30.2%2019: 28.4%2020: 38.4%2021: 33%2022: 30.4%2023: 29.8%2024: 31.3%31.3%

Acceptance rate — data
YearAcceptance rate
Fall 200121.2%
Fall 200219.4%
Fall 200315.3%
Fall 200415.9%
Fall 200514.4%
Fall 200617.3%
Fall 200746.6%
Fall 200844.8%
Fall 200933.3%
Fall 201037.3%
Fall 201132.5%
Fall 201237.4%
Fall 201331.2%
Fall 201430.9%
Fall 201531.3%
Fall 201629.5%
Fall 201734.6%
Fall 201830.2%
Fall 201928.4%
Fall 202038.4%
Fall 202133%
Fall 202230.4%
Fall 202329.8%
Fall 202431.3%
IPEDS Fall cycles 2001–2024

SAT range (section sums, 25th–75th)

1220–1410Fall 2020 · submittersSkip to data table

Sums of the reading/writing and math percentiles among enrolled submitters — not percentiles of total SAT scores or admission cutoffs.

TEST-OPTIONAL ERA11001200130014002016 REDESIGN2001202020162001: 10602002: 10802003: 11002004: 11002005: 11202006: 11102007: 10802008: 10802009: 11002010: 11102011: 11202012: 11302013: 11402014: 11302015: 11302016: 11502017: 12002018: 12402019: 12402020: 122012202001: 12802002: 12802003: 12902004: 12902005: 13202006: 13002007: 12902008: 12902009: 13102010: 13002011: 13202012: 13302013: 13402014: 13202015: 13402016: 13602017: 13802018: 14302019: 14402020: 14101410
TEST-OPTIONAL ERA120014002016 REDESIGN2001202020162001: 10602002: 10802003: 11002004: 11002005: 11202006: 11102007: 10802008: 10802009: 11002010: 11102011: 11202012: 11302013: 11402014: 11302015: 11302016: 11502017: 12002018: 12402019: 12402020: 122012202001: 12802002: 12802003: 12902004: 12902005: 13202006: 13002007: 12902008: 12902009: 13102010: 13002011: 13202012: 13302013: 13402014: 13202015: 13402016: 13602017: 13802018: 14302019: 14402020: 14101410

SAT range (section sums) — data
Year25th75th
Fall 200110601280
Fall 200210801280
Fall 200311001290
Fall 200411001290
Fall 200511201320
Fall 200611101300
Fall 200710801290
Fall 200810801290
Fall 200911001310
Fall 201011101300
Fall 201111201320
Fall 201211301330
Fall 201311401340
Fall 201411301320
Fall 201511301340
Fall 201611501360
Fall 201712001380
Fall 201812401430
Fall 201912401440
Fall 202012201410
IPEDS Fall 2001–2020, submitters only

ACT middle 50%

26–32Fall 2020 · submittersSkip to data table

The middle half of enrolled ACT submitters, using published composite-score percentiles — not admission cutoffs.

TEST-OPTIONAL ERA2530200520202005: 242006: 232007: 232008: 232009: 242010: 242011: 252012: 252013: 252014: 252015: 262016: 262017: 262018: 262019: 262020: 26262005: 282006: 282007: 282008: 282009: 292010: 292011: 292012: 292013: 302014: 302015: 312016: 312017: 312018: 322019: 322020: 3232
TEST-OPTIONAL ERA2530200520202005: 242006: 232007: 232008: 232009: 242010: 242011: 252012: 252013: 252014: 252015: 262016: 262017: 262018: 262019: 262020: 26262005: 282006: 282007: 282008: 282009: 292010: 292011: 292012: 292013: 302014: 302015: 312016: 312017: 312018: 322019: 322020: 3232

ACT middle 50% — data
Year25th75th
Fall 20052428
Fall 20062328
Fall 20072328
Fall 20082328
Fall 20092429
Fall 20102429
Fall 20112529
Fall 20122529
Fall 20132530
Fall 20142530
Fall 20152631
Fall 20162631
Fall 20172631
Fall 20182632
Fall 20192632
Fall 20202632
IPEDS Fall 2005–2020, submitters only

What is the campus like?

Enrollment counts a campus population; retention follows first-years returning. Their dates and populations are shown separately.

Undergraduate enrollment

21,996Fall 2024Skip to data table

Reported undergraduate enrollment. This count does not measure class size or teaching access.

18k20k22k200220242002: 17,4422003: 17,2952004: 16,6652005: 17,5092006: 17,7942007: 18,7312008: 18,4012009: 18,2392010: 17,2762011: 17,6512012: 17,5992013: 18,6642014: 19,1772015: 19,9722016: 20,3672017: 21,3032018: 21,0472019: 20,4532020: 21,4512021: 21,0902022: 20,9762023: 21,5212024: 21,99621,996
18k20k22k200220242002: 17,4422003: 17,2952004: 16,6652005: 17,5092006: 17,7942007: 18,7312008: 18,4012009: 18,2392010: 17,2762011: 17,6512012: 17,5992013: 18,6642014: 19,1772015: 19,9722016: 20,3672017: 21,3032018: 21,0472019: 20,4532020: 21,4512021: 21,0902022: 20,9762023: 21,5212024: 21,99621,996

Undergraduate enrollment at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo rose from 17,442 (Fall 2002) to 21,996 (Fall 2024).

Undergraduate enrollment — data
YearUndergraduates
Fall 200217,442
Fall 200317,295
Fall 200416,665
Fall 200517,509
Fall 200617,794
Fall 200718,731
Fall 200818,401
Fall 200918,239
Fall 201017,276
Fall 201117,651
Fall 201217,599
Fall 201318,664
Fall 201419,177
Fall 201519,972
Fall 201620,367
Fall 201721,303
Fall 201821,047
Fall 201920,453
Fall 202021,451
Fall 202121,090
Fall 202220,976
Fall 202321,521
Fall 202421,996
IPEDS Fall headcounts 2002–2024

First-year retention (full-time)

96%Fall 2023 cohortSkip to data table

The share of the reported first-time student group who returned the following year. This rate does not explain why others left.

90%92%94%96%200320232003: 90%2004: 91%2005: 91%2006: 90%2007: 89%2008: 91%2009: 91%2010: 93%2011: 93%2012: 92%2013: 93%2014: 93%2015: 95%2016: 95%2017: 94%2018: 94%2019: 94%2020: 95%2021: 94%2022: 95%2023: 96%96%
90%93%95%200320232003: 90%2004: 91%2005: 91%2006: 90%2007: 89%2008: 91%2009: 91%2010: 93%2011: 93%2012: 92%2013: 93%2014: 93%2015: 95%2016: 95%2017: 94%2018: 94%2019: 94%2020: 95%2021: 94%2022: 95%2023: 96%96%

First-year retention at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has held near 96% from Fall 2003 to Fall 2023.

First-year retention — data
YearRetention
Fall 2003 cohort90%
Fall 2004 cohort91%
Fall 2005 cohort91%
Fall 2006 cohort90%
Fall 2007 cohort89%
Fall 2008 cohort91%
Fall 2009 cohort91%
Fall 2010 cohort93%
Fall 2011 cohort93%
Fall 2012 cohort92%
Fall 2013 cohort93%
Fall 2014 cohort93%
Fall 2015 cohort95%
Fall 2016 cohort95%
Fall 2017 cohort94%
Fall 2018 cohort94%
Fall 2019 cohort94%
Fall 2020 cohort95%
Fall 2021 cohort94%
Fall 2022 cohort95%
Fall 2023 cohort96%
IPEDS Full-time cohorts 2003–2023
More about California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Faculty pay at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo averages $152,076 a year, annualized from reported monthly pay. Carnegie classes California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo as a primarily residential campus of 21,996 undergraduates — and 95.5% of the reported first-time, full-time student group returned for a second year.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo reported not considering test scores in Fall 2024, when its admission rate was 31.3%. Review California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's current requirements before applying; use the GPA calculator for your semester numbers.

Why some charts are marked “key chart”
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Start with three useful questions: what costs were reported for families in your income band, how many first-time full-time students finished, and what federal debt borrowers held when leaving.

How California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compares

State and national medians cover active bachelor-primary institutions, mixing public and private schools. Tuition uses in-state rates at public schools. These are broad reference points, not a ranking of similar schools or your likely bill.

Scorecard dates identify the release snapshot, not a shared measurement year. Earnings describe federally aided students who were working and not enrolled ten years after entry; cohorts and populations differ from the admissions and tuition figures.

Acceptance rate

Fall 2024 admissions cycle · IPEDS

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo31.3%
California median74.4%
National median76.8%

Tuition (in-state)

Scorecard 2026-06-10 snapshot · published tuition before aid

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo$13,596
California median$23,000
National median$19,591

Median earnings (10 yr)

Ten years after entry · Scorecard 2026-06-10 snapshot

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's snapshot: calendar years and dollar basis unverified.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo$90,768
California median$64,778
National median$53,781
View comparison data & dates
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, California and national reference values
Metric & basisCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCalifornia medianNational median
Acceptance rateFall 2024 admissions cycle · IPEDS31.3%74.4%76.8%
Tuition (in-state)Scorecard 2026-06-10 snapshot · published tuition before aid$13,596$23,000$19,591
Median earnings (10 yr)Ten years after entry · Scorecard 2026-06-10 snapshot$90,768$64,778$53,781

Published earnings by bachelor's field of study

For California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, these are federal subject groups (CIP), not departments. Median is the middle annual income.

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo federal-aid recipients · graduated 2017–18 or 2018–19 · income measured 2022 or 2023 · inflation-adjusted to 2024 dollars. Definitions and limits.

View 52 fields & earnings
Bachelor's field of study (CIP category)Median earnings, 4 yrs after completion
Computer Science$154,784
Computer Engineering$148,950
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering$125,240
Construction Management$118,331
Industrial Engineering$112,797
Business Administration, Management and Operations$110,902
Biomedical/Medical Engineering$109,232
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering$107,498
Mechanical Engineering$106,750
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering$102,702
Statistics$101,353
Civil Engineering$101,072
Materials Engineering$100,599
Economics$98,927
Philosophy$98,592
Physics$96,805
Architectural Engineering$92,767
Agricultural Engineering$92,603
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians$89,195
Agricultural Business and Management$88,396
Agriculture, General$84,412
Mathematics$83,187
Plant Sciences$82,487
Political Science and Government$81,843
Agricultural Public Services$80,965
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning$80,820
Graphic Communications$79,432
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology$78,097
Agricultural Mechanization$78,080
Forestry$77,419
Architecture$76,613
Food Science and Technology$75,466
Communication and Media Studies$75,223
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies$75,181
Journalism$70,829
Sociology$69,883
Biology, General$69,854
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences$69,227
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy$68,965
Nutrition Sciences$68,930
Landscape Architecture$68,795
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities$68,171
History$66,518
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness$64,579
Chemistry$63,882
English Language and Literature, General$63,413
Psychology, General$60,466
Fine and Studio Arts$59,721
Social Sciences, Other$57,360
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods$55,543
Animal Sciences$54,805
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft$36,697

These 52 fields listed for California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo measure earnings after completion. The $90,768 institution-level snapshot above measures earnings after entry; it is not the same cohort or a total for these fields. 25 additional California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo fields have earnings withheld under federal privacy rules.

Frequently asked questions

What test-score data does California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo report?

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo did not consider scores in Fall 2024: 31.3% admitted. Check current requirements.

What is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's acceptance rate?

31.3% in the Fall 2024 cycle — 21,416 admitted from 68,371 applicants.

How much does California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo cost?

In-state tuition is $13,596; out-of-state students pay $34,665. Fees, housing and aid move the real total in both directions.

What earnings data does California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo report?

Median earnings ten years after entry: $90,768. Major figures measure four years after completion. Source and date limits.

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Run your own numbers

Data: IPEDS ADM2024 (Fall 2024 admissions, provisional) · IPEDS HD2024/IC2024 directory · College Scorecard 2026-06-10 release (institution and field-of-study files; earnings from Treasury records). Retrieved 2026-09-01. Chart dates follow this institution's available observations; the release date is not an academic year or an earnings year. Some records end earlier than others. Field-of-study cohort dates are shown with the table. Read the date and population definitions.

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