Cal Poly Description
The California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, is a distinctive learning community that offers students an exceptional hands-on education to prepare them for the scientific and technical world of tomorrow.
Hundreds of recruiting firms employ students from the university each year. The school hosts an average of 300 to 600 different employers throughout the year, providing students with a wealth of networking opportunities.
Student life includes a variety of campus events and student groups. The school hosts theatre productions, concerts and guest speakers as its upscale performing arts center. Many leadership and volunteer activities are offered to help with professional development.
Academics include a variety of bachelor’s degrees through six colleges:
- Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
- Liberal Arts
- Architecture and Environmental Design
- Science and Mathematics
- Engineering
- Business
Graduate programs are offered in Accounting, Aerospace Engineering, Psychology, Industrial Engineering and many more.
Admissions require students to select a major on their application. Major changes are not allowed after a student applies. Students should not send in additional materials unless contacted by the school.
Tuition is set lower for California residents. Financial aid is available to eligible students who file a FAFSA between January 1 to March 2 of the prior academic year. Types of aid include scholarships, state grants, federal grants, loans and more.
Quick Facts about California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Location
Southwest
Setting
Large Town Setting
Type
Public
Size
Very Large (+10,000 Undergrad)
Mascot
Mustangs
Nickname
Cal Poly
Website
On-Campus Housing Available
Yes
Selectivity
Highly Selective
In-State Tuition
$5,602
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,762
Retention Rate
91%
Enrollment
19,544
Year Established
1901
Cal Poly Students
- Full-Time Undergrad Students
- 18,516
- Freshman Class
- 3,463
- Total Students (Undergrads & Graduate Students)
- 19,544
Undergraduate vs. Graduate
- Undergraduate
- 95%
- Graduate
- 5%
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Students
- Full-Time
- 99%
- Part-Time
- 1%
Students Coming From In-State vs. Out-of-State
- In-State
- 85%
- Out-of-State
- 15%
Gender of Students
- Women
- 48%
- Men
- 52%
Ethnic Diversity
- Asian
- 10%
- Caucasian
- 64%
- Latino
- 11%
- Other
- 15%
Students State Origin
- California
- 85%
- Washington
- 1%
- Other
- 14%
International Students
- International
- 1%
- Domestic
- 99%
Learn more about California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly):
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