Strong engineering programs
Beautiful campus with great weather
Hands-on learning and practical experience
Vibrant student community and activities
High cost of living in San Luis Obispo
Limited diversity in student population
Stressful workload for students
Parking can be a challenge on campus
Understanding Tuition Costs at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo: Navigating college expenses doesn't have to be complicated. Our comprehensive guide to tuition, fees, and other associated costs breaks down everything you need to know about financing your education at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Find out how we make higher education affordable and what financial options are available to you.
| Yearly | 4 years | |
|---|---|---|
Tuition and Fees The published tuition and required fees for full-time, first-time undergraduate students who are residents of the state where the institution is located. This is the base cost before any financial aid is applied. Tuition represents the cost of instruction, while fees cover services, facilities, and other institutional costs.
Source: IPEDS Institutional Characteristics Survey (IC)
| $11,075 | $44,300 |
Room and Board The cost of on-campus housing and meal plans for students living in college-owned or operated housing facilities. This includes dormitory fees and dining plan costs.
Source: IPEDS Institutional Characteristics Survey | $17,220 | $68,880 |
Books and Supplies The estimated annual cost for books, course materials, supplies, and equipment required for coursework. This is an additional expense beyond tuition and room/board.
Source: IPEDS Institutional Characteristics Survey | $1,089 | $4,356 |
Other expenses Additional costs for on-campus students including personal expenses, transportation within campus, and other miscellaneous costs not covered by tuition, room, or board.
Source: IPEDS Institutional Characteristics Survey | $2,937 | $11,748 |
| Sticker Price | $32,321 | $129,284 |
Based on historical data, in-state tuition is expected to rise by approximately $408 per year over the next three years, reaching $11,987 in 2024, and $12,395 in 2025, and $12,803 in 2026.
Investing in higher education is a pivotal step towards future prosperity. It's essential to weigh the upfront costs against the potential for increased lifetime earnings and career opportunities. Our ROEdu score aims to help you understand tuition, living expenses, and financial aid, alongside the long-term benefits of earning a degree. By making informed decisions about where and what you study, you can maximize the return on your educational investment, turning the cost of your degree into a foundation for future success and financial security.
SAT Range The range of SAT scores (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing + Math) for admitted students, from the 25th to 75th percentile. This range represents the middle 50% of admitted students and helps applicants understand the typical academic profile of admitted students.
Source: IPEDS Fall Enrollment Survey
| |
ACT Range The range of ACT composite scores for admitted students, from the 25th to 75th percentile. This range represents the middle 50% of admitted students and helps applicants understand the typical academic profile of admitted students.
Source: IPEDS Fall Enrollment Survey
| - |
High School GPA The minimum or average high school grade point average required or recommended for admission. This metric helps assess academic preparedness and is often used alongside standardized test scores in admission decisions.
Source: Institution Admissions Office
| N/A |
Application Deadline The standard application deadline for regular decision applications. This is the most common application timeline for college admissions.
Source: Institution Website | See college website |
Early Decision Date The deadline for early decision applications, which are binding commitments to enroll if admitted. Students may only apply to one institution under early decision.
Source: Institution Website | See college website |
Early Action Date The deadline for early action applications, which allow students to apply early and receive an admission decision before the regular decision date, typically without a binding commitment to enroll.
Source: Institution Website | See college website |
| Total Enrollment | 5,278 |
| Full-time Students | 5,258 |
| Part-time Students | 20 |
| Faculty-Student Ratio: | 20:1 |
| Full-Time Faculty | N/A |
| Part-Time Faculty | N/A |
For complete transparency we combine scores from across the web to give you a true picture of what students think about California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Additionally, we have our own score which can be used alongside these external sources.
| Tuition Covered Rating | (4.5) |
| Niche | (3.8) |
| US News | (4.9) |