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Summary
California Polytechnic State University--San Luis Obispo is a public institution that was founded in 1901. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 17,725, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 6,000 acres. It utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar. California Polytechnic State University--San Luis Obispo's ranking in the 2013 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities (West), 6. Its in-state tuition and fees are $5,970 (2012-13); out-of-state tuition and fees are $17,130 (2012-13).
California Polytechnic State University, also known as Cal Poly, is located in San Luis Obispo, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Graduate students at Cal Poly can pursue any of nearly 30 degrees, including those in the the Orfalea College of Business or the School of Education. Undergraduate students can choose from almost 70 majors, with Cal Poly’s highly ranked engineering programs as the most popular choice. There are more than 80 state-of-the-art laboratories and 50 clubs dedicated specifically to the Cal Poly College of Engineering. Students can also get involved with any of the other 300 student organizations, including Rose Float, which allows students to conceptualize and create a float for the New Year’s Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. For student athletes, Cal Poly offers dozens of intramural and club sports, along with the nearly 20 Cal Poly Mustangs varsity teams, which compete in the NCAA Division I Big West and Great West conferences. Notable alumni include retired pro football coach and NBC sports commentator John Madden and comedic musician “Weird Al” Yankovic.
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As a predominantly undergraduate university serving California, the mission of Cal Poly is to discover, integrate, articulate, and apply knowledge. This it does by emphasizing teaching; engaging in research; participating in the various communities (local, state, and international) with which it pursues common interests; and where appropriate, providing students with the unique experience of direct involvement with the actual challenges of their disciplines in the United States and abroad. Cal Poly undergraduate students identify with their major from the beginning of their Cal Poly career. Students select majors at the time they apply for admission, and they take courses in their major starting in their first year. This gives them a chance to decide early if they have chosen a field that is appropriate to their interests and abilities. It also helps students associate with faculty and other students in their field, share common interests, and learn in a supportive atmosphere. Classes emphasize active learning methods and include a high proportion of lab work and field work. Activities both on and off campus provide opportunities to apply what is learned in the classroom. Cal Poly emphasizes a complete education that teaches students to think logically, evaluate critically, and communicate clearly. |
General Information
| School type | public, coed college |
| Year founded | 1901 |
| Religious affiliation | N/A |
| Academic calendar | quarter |
| Setting | suburban |
| 2011 Endowment | $176,636,179 |
Applying
When applying to California Polytechnic State University--San Luis Obispo, it's important to note the application deadline is November 30, and the early decision deadline is October 31. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due December 1. The application fee at California Polytechnic State University--San Luis Obispo is $55. It is more selective, with an acceptance rate of 37.4 percent.
For more information about the tests, essays, interviews, and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.
| Selectivity | more selective |
| Fall 2011 acceptance rate | 37.4% |
| Application deadline | November 30 |
| SAT/ACT scores must be received by | December 1 |
Academic Life
The student-faculty ratio at California Polytechnic State University--San Luis Obispo is 19:1, and the school has 15.1 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 91.0 percent.
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| Student-faculty ratio | 19:1 | |
| 4-year graduation rate | 31 | |
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Student Life
California Polytechnic State University--San Luis Obispo has a total undergraduate enrollment of 17,725, with a gender distribution of 55.4 percent male students and 44.6 percent female students. At this school, 38.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 62.0 percent of students live off campus. California Polytechnic State University--San Luis Obispo is part of the NCAA I athletic conference.
| Total enrollment | 18,762 |
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| Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity | N/A |
| Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority | N/A |
| Collegiate athletic association | NCAA I |
Campus Info & Services
California Polytechnic State University--San Luis Obispo offers a number of student services including nonremedial tutoring, women's center, placement service, day care, health service, and health insurance. California Polytechnic State University--San Luis Obispo also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, student patrols, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc). Of the students at California Polytechnic State University--San Luis Obispo, 35 percent have cars on campus. Alcohol is not permitted for students of legal age at California Polytechnic State University--San Luis Obispo.
| Students who have cars on campus | 35% |
| Health insurance offered | Yes |
| Students required to own/lease a computer | No |
More About Campus Info & Services
Paying for School
At California Polytechnic State University--San Luis Obispo, 36.5 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $2,969.
Paying for college doesn't have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs.
| In-state tuition and fees | $5,970 (2012-13) |
| Out-of-state tuition and fees | $17,130 (2012-13) |
| Room and board | $10,679 (2012-13) |
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* Overview details based on 2011 data
