Overview
Founded in 1901 as a vocational agricultural school, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo has evolved into one of the nation's most respected polytechnic universities, particularly celebrated for its 'Learn by Doing' philosophy that emphasizes practical, hands-on education over purely theoretical instruction. The university is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the western United States and is especially known for its engineering, architecture, agriculture, and business programs, which regularly feed graduates into top companies and industries in California and beyond.
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 | $10,864 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $27,244 |
| Room & board | $15,500 |
| 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
- Computer Science
- Agricultural Business
- Graphic Communication
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.