California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Campus Identity
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is a large public university in San Luis Obispo, CA. Approximately 21,996 students are enrolled. Admissions are selective with a 31% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 9 miles from the ocean. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 48/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
At a Glance
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is a large public university in San Luis Obispo, CA. Approximately 21,996 students are enrolled. Admissions are selective with a 31% acceptance rate. The campus sits in a beach town, just 9 miles from the ocean. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 48/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.
Campus Lifestyle
Athletics
NCAA D1
Big West
Greek Life
Active Greek System
3% frats · 6% sororities
School Size & Setting
20,000+
Suburban setting
Beach Access
9 miles
Avila Beach, CA
Weather
Warm Climate
59°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
California
California
California
Beach Town
Avila Beach, CA
Ocean access within 9.3 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · San Luis Obispo, CA
Station: SAN LUIS OBISPO POLY · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
Annual costs for the 2023–24 academic year. Source: IPEDS/NCES 2024.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $5,742 | $17,622 |
| Fees | $4,453 | $10,483 |
| Room & Board | $19,412 | $19,412 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $29,607 | $47,517 |
These are sticker prices. Your actual cost may be much lower with financial aid.
Calculate Your Net PriceFields of Study
125 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo located?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is located in San Luis Obispo, CA. The main campus address is 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has an acceptance rate of 31%, making it selective. Out of 68,371 applicants, 21,416 were admitted in the most recent year. 21,996 students enrolled.
How much does it cost to attend California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
For the 2023–24 academic year, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo charges $5,742/year for in-state students and $17,622/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($19,412/year), the total estimated cost for out-of-state students is approximately $28,105/year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly reduce this cost — use California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
The undergraduate application fee at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is $70. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo have college sports?
Yes — California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo competes at the NCAA D1 level in the Big West. As a Division I program, they compete at the highest level of college athletics, which often includes scholarships and nationally broadcast games.
Is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo the right fit for me?
Whether California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (31% admit rate), cost ($17,622/year out-of-state), campus culture in San Luis Obispo, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo against similar schools side-by-side.
Data sourced from IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- San Luis Obispo, CA
- Size
- 20,000+
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's
- NCAA
- NCAA D1
- Conference
- Big West
- School Year Weather
- Warm · 59°F avg
- App Fee
- $70
- On Campus Safety Score
- 48/100
- Nearest Airport
- San Luis Obispo, CA (SBP) · 4 mialso PRB (26 mi), SMX (30 mi)
Location
San Luis Obispo, CA