About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Founded in 1901, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is a Public college. Located in San Luis Obispo, which is a city setting in California, the campus itself is Suburban . The campus is home to 20,426 full time undergraduate students, and 880 full time graduate students.

Campus Topics

2%
"We're apathetic"
29%
"We know about current events and vote"
62%
"We participate and encourage others to get involved"
7%
"There's nothing we won't protest"
3%
"We save it for the classroom"
11%
"Sometimes, but not often"
68%
"There's usually intelligent conversation to be found"
18%
"All the time, including weekends"
22%
"It's not really our thing"
21%
"Occasinally we gallery crawl"
47%
"There are a variety of opportunities"
10%
"We're a very artistic group"
1%
"I'm always terrified"
2%
"I only go out in groups"
41%
"I usually let someone know where I'm going"
56%
"I feel extremely safe"
5%
"We don't play sports"
0%
"We play recreationally"
59%
"We bought the gear"
36%
"We live for the big game"
1%
"Haven't met them"
1%
"Available in class"
67%
"They keep regular office hours"
31%
"They're always available"
3%
"No greek life, but other groups to join"
16%
"There is some involvement, but not a lot"
80%
"Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity"
0%
"It's everything. If you're not greek, you're a geek"
2%
"We're not into drinking at all"
14%
"Maybe a little, but it's not a big thing"
47%
"We only party on weekends"
36%
"There's some drinking happening every night"
4%
"Never, we're here to learn"
46%
"There might be people who do"
47%
"People are known to partake on weekends"
3%
"There's a huge drug scene"

Admissions Requirements for California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Admissions at CAL POLY are considered More Selective, with 29% of all applicants being admitted. In the 2017/2018 school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 9% of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling. 98% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 83% were in the top quarter, and 50% were in the top tenth.

The application fee is $ 55 and you can apply online.

SAT Range: 1150 - 1360

Reading & Writing 560 - 660
Math 590 - 700
SAT Community Homepage

ACT Range: 26 - 31

English 25 - 33
Math 26 - 32
ACT Community Homepage

Student Body

Students

47%

female

53%

male

20,426

Total Undergrad Enrollment

880

Total Grad Students

16%

Out-Of-State

83%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

400

Student Organizations

23

Fraternities

14

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

37%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
13%
% Black or African-American
1%
% Hispanic/Latino
16%
% White or Caucasian
56%

Academics

The California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Academic calendar runs on a semester basis. In the 2017/2018 school year the student to faculty ratio was 21:1. There are 842 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Cost

The total cost to attend on campus is $34,590. Let's break that cost down. Room and board will run $12,507 annually. Books and Supplies will cost another $1,848. And lastly, in state tuition and fees is $9,075. Additional cost elements for out of state students are as follows:

Cost Out of State

$20,235

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,848

Books and Supplies

$12,507

Room and Board

34,590

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$11,147
$30 - $48K
$13,050
$48 - $75K
$16,165
$75 - $110K
$20,865
$110K & UP
$24,311

Financial Aid

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

46% of students attending California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo receive some sort of financial aid. 11% were awarded federal grants. While 24% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.