Overview
Founded in 1901 as a vocational agricultural high school, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo evolved into a comprehensive polytechnic university within the California State University system. It has built a national reputation for its 'learn by doing' philosophy, emphasizing hands-on, project-based education over purely theoretical instruction. The university is particularly renowned for its College of Engineering, one of the largest undergraduate engineering programs in the nation, as well as its highly regarded architecture, agriculture, and business programs.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | San Luis Obispo, California |
| Founded | 1901 |
| Total students | 22,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 19:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 28% |
| Graduation rate | 83% |
| Average starting salary | $70,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $10,725 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $25,605 |
| Room & board | $16,000 |
| Average financial aid | $14,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 60% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1240-1440 |
| ACT range | 26-32 |
| Average GPA | 3.97 |
| Regular deadline | November 30 |
Top Programs
- Architecture
- Mechanical Engineering
- Agricultural Business
- Computer Science
- Graphic Communication
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.