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California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) is a large public university with approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 800 graduate students as of Fall 2022. The university's total undergraduate enrollment was 21,497 in Fall 2023, with a gender distribution of 49.8% male and 50.1% female students. Cal Poly is a highly selective university, with an acceptance rate of 30% and an average graduation rate of 86%. The university offers a range of bachelor's, certificate, and master's degree programs and is well-regarded for its undergraduate programs, particularly in engineering, architecture, and business.
What You'll Learn
- California Polytechnic State University has a total of 21,497 undergraduate students enrolled as of Fall 2023
- The university's acceptance rate is 30%
- The student-faculty ratio is 19:1
- The university offers 78 bachelor's degrees
- The average net price for a student receiving financial aid is $19,184 per year
California Polytechnic State University has a total of 21,497 undergraduate students enrolled as of Fall 2023
California Polytechnic State University, also known as Cal Poly, is a public university in San Luis Obispo, California. Founded in 1901, it is the oldest of three polytechnic universities in the California State University system. Cal Poly has approximately 21,000 undergraduate students and 800 graduate students enrolled as of Fall 2022.
As of Fall 2023, the university has a total of 21,497 undergraduate students enrolled, with a gender distribution of 49.8% male and 50.1% female students. This is a slight increase from the previous year and reflects the university's growing popularity and appeal to prospective students. The university's admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 30%.
The large campus spans 9,178 acres, offering a comprehensive range of academic programs and extracurricular activities. Cal Poly provides a balanced education in the arts, sciences, and technology, with a "learn by doing" philosophy that integrates practical, hands-on experiences into its curriculum. The university is well-regarded for its undergraduate programs and has been ranked first among regional universities in the Western United States.
With its large student population, diverse academic offerings, and emphasis on practical learning, California Polytechnic State University continues to be a prominent educational institution in the region, attracting students from across the state and beyond.
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The university's acceptance rate is 30%
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, also known as Cal Poly, is a large public university with a total undergraduate enrollment of 21,497 as of fall 2023. The university's acceptance rate is 30%, with admissions considered highly selective.
The university's selective admissions process can be attributed to its popularity among prospective students, as reflected in its high number of applicants. For the class entering in 2019, Cal Poly received 54,072 applications and offered admission to 15,366 students, resulting in a 28.4% acceptance rate for that year. The university's appeal is further evidenced by its ranking as the best public master's-level university in the Western United States for 30 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report.
Cal Poly's competitive admissions process considers various factors, including high school transcripts, GPA, and standardised test scores such as the SAT and ACT. The university also requires students to declare their major upon applying and admits the most competitive applicants for each program. This major-specific admissions approach contributes to the university's low acceptance rate.
The university's large undergraduate population and selective admissions reflect its reputation as a highly sought-after educational institution, offering a range of academic programs and a unique "learn by doing" philosophy that emphasises hands-on, practical experiences.
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The student-faculty ratio is 19:1
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, also known as Cal Poly, is a large public university with a student-faculty ratio of 19:1. This means that for every 19 students, there is one faculty member. With a ratio like this, students can expect a more personalised learning experience and more opportunities for one-on-one engagement with faculty members.
The student-faculty ratio is an important factor to consider when choosing a university, as it can impact the quality of education and the overall student experience. A lower student-faculty ratio, such as the one at Cal Poly, suggests that the university prioritises a more intimate and interactive learning environment. This can lead to several benefits for students, including increased engagement and a more tailored educational approach.
With a student body of around 21,000 undergraduates and 800 graduate students as of fall 2022, Cal Poly offers a vibrant and diverse academic community. The university's "learn by doing" philosophy further enhances the student experience by integrating hands-on, practical learning into its curriculum. This approach encourages students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations, fostering a deeper understanding of their chosen fields.
The student-faculty ratio of 19:1 at Cal Poly indicates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and a personalised approach to teaching. This ratio allows students to build stronger relationships with faculty members, who can offer mentorship, guidance, and support throughout their academic journey. It also enables more opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that students receive the individual attention they need to succeed.
In conclusion, the student-faculty ratio of 19:1 at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, contributes to a positive and enriching academic environment. This ratio allows for more interactive and personalised learning, fostering a strong foundation for students' academic and professional success. It is a testament to the university's dedication to creating a supportive and engaging educational experience for its students.
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The university offers 78 bachelor's degrees
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) offers 78 bachelor's degrees. The university is a public institution founded in 1901, with a total undergraduate enrolment of 21,497 as of Fall 2023. The campus size is 9,178 acres, making it one of the largest college campuses in the United States.
Cal Poly is well-regarded for its undergraduate programs, ranking first among regional universities in the Western United States in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The university emphasises a "learn by doing" philosophy, integrating practical experiences into its curriculum. This approach is supported by the university's large campus and diverse facilities, which include the main campus, two agricultural lands, and two sites in Santa Cruz County.
The university's 78 bachelor's degree programs are offered across six colleges: the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences; the College of Architecture and Environmental Design; the Orfalea College of Business; the College of Engineering; the College of Liberal Arts; and the College of Science and Mathematics.
Cal Poly's admissions process is described as "more selective" by U.S. News & World Report, with an acceptance rate of around 30%. The university requires students to declare a major upon applying and then admits the most competitive applicants for each major. The average GPA for the incoming class of 2018 was 4.00, with an average SAT score of 1329 and an average ACT score of 29.
The university has a student-faculty ratio of 19:1 and a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Tuition and fees vary depending on a student's residency status. For the 2023-2024 academic year, in-state tuition and fees were $5,742, while out-of-state tuition and fees were $17,622. Room and board charges totalled $16,449 per year, with additional costs for books, supplies, and administrative fees.
Cal Poly offers a comprehensive range of bachelor's degree programs across various disciplines, providing students with a well-rounded education and practical experiences to prepare them for their future careers.
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The average net price for a student receiving financial aid is $19,184 per year
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is a large public university with a total undergraduate enrollment of 21,497 as of Fall 2023. The university's annual net price for students receiving financial aid is $19,184. This figure is calculated based on the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other expenses, minus any grants or scholarships received.
The cost of attendance for undergraduate students at California Polytechnic State University varies depending on their residency status. For in-state students, the tuition is $5,742, while room and board charges total $16,449 per year. Out-of-state students pay $17,622 in tuition and the same amount for room and board. All students are expected to budget for additional expenses, such as books and supplies ($906), administrative and academic fees ($4,577), and other miscellaneous costs ($2,244).
Financial aid is available to help students offset these costs. In the 2019/2020 academic year, 42% of full-time undergraduate students at California Polytechnic State University received financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, and fellowships, with an average award of $10,065. Federal Pell Grants were awarded to 17% of students, with an average grant amount of $5,296. Additionally, 26% of students received Federal Student Loans, averaging $5,038, while 1% took out private student loans, averaging $22,410.
The average net price of $19,184 for students receiving financial aid is a useful indicator of the cost of attending California Polytechnic State University. However, it's important to note that each student's financial situation is unique, and the amount of financial aid awarded can vary significantly based on factors such as family income, assets, and individual financial need. Students are encouraged to research the different types of financial aid available and apply for those that align with their circumstances.
California Polytechnic State University has a comprehensive financial aid process to assist students in affording their education. The university offers a range of scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans to help bridge the gap between the total cost of attendance and what a student can afford to pay. Additionally, the university provides resources and guidance to help students and their families navigate the financial aid process, ensuring they can make informed decisions about their education.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo has a total undergraduate enrollment of 21,497.
As of Fall 2023, there are 782 graduate students enrolled at California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo.
The acceptance rate for California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo is 30%.
40% of students live in college-owned, -operated or -affiliated housing, which amounts to approximately 8,598 students.