California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, California · Public
Avg Earnings (5yr)
$72,358
Acceptance Rate
30%
Graduation Rate
85%
Annual Tuition
$11,075
Quick answer
According to U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data on USACollegeData.com (2024-25 College Scorecard release), graduates of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo earn a median of $90,768 ten years after entry — 68% above the national median. Acceptance rate 29.8%, in-state tuition $11,075.
At a Glance
Total Students
21,521
Retention Rate
95%
Faculty Ratio
18
Financial Aid
24%
Median Debt
$18,500
Campus Setting
Suburban
Institution Type
Public
Institution Overview
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is a public institution with a student body of 21,521. The university has a selective admissions process, accepting less than 30% of applicants. The university boasts a high graduation rate of over 85% and a strong retention rate of over 95%. Annual in-state tuition is $11,075.
Graduates of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo experience strong early career earnings. One year after graduation, the median earnings are over $62,800. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to over $72,300, and ten years after graduation, earnings are over $90,700. The median debt for graduates is $18,500, and nearly a quarter of students receive financial aid.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
Earning Projection Over Time
$63k
1 YEAR
$72k
5 YEARS
$91k
10 YEARS
Graduate Outcomes
One year after graduation, alumni from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo earn a median of $62,831. Five years after graduation, median earnings increase to $72,358, and after ten years, median earnings reach $90,768. The median debt for students is $18,500.
The university has a high retention rate of 95.2% and an 85.3% graduation rate. The school has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 29.8%. The in-state tuition is $11,075, and 23.5% of students receive financial aid.
Popular Programs
Top performing degrees based on enrollment and outcome data.
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Mechanical Engineering
Biology, General
Civil Engineering
Animal Sciences
Agricultural Business and Management
Computer Engineering
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Psychology, General
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering
Architectural Sciences and Technology
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Industrial Engineering
Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Food Science and Technology
Construction Management
Graphic Communications
Natural Resources Management and Policy
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
Journalism
Political Science and Government
Sociology
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
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Campus Location
San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is located in San Luis Obispo, California. The campus is in a suburban setting.