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California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

country rank  161
world rank  358

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Overview

Established in 1901, the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of San Luis Obispo (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), California. Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) is a large-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 20,000-24,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 122-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 30-39% making this US higher education organization a very selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. Cal Poly also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

University Snapshot

Control

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Control Typepublic

Entity

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Entity Typenon-profit

Size

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo' Size by Total Enrollmentlarge-sized

Selectivity

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Selectivity by Acceptance Ratevery selective

University Identity

Name
Acronym Cal Poly
Founded 1901
Motto Discere Faciendo
Learn by Doing
Colours Green and gold
Mascot Mustang
Video Presentation

n.a.; please submit an official California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo general video presentation.

University Location

Address 1 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo
93407-1111 California
United States
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's location map and satellite view Location Map and Satellite View
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Phone Number +1 (805) 756 1111
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Fax Number +1 (805) 756 5400

Search Engine

for programs, online courses, tuition fees, admission policy and requirements, acceptance rate, accreditation, facilities, services, affiliations or any other information you want to search and learn about California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
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Fields of Study / Degree Levels

Introduction

What is the difference between comprehensive/generalist and specialized universities in terms of the range of fields of study they offer, degree levels available and academic and carreer paths pros and cons? Read our guide article about generalist and specialized universities to learn more.


Fields of Study and Degree Levels Matrix

The following California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Fields of Study/Degree Levels Matrix is divided into 6 main fields of study and 4 levels of degrees, from the lowest undergraduate degree to the highest postgraduate degree. This matrix aims to help quickly identify California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's academic range and degree level offering.




Programs and Courses

Courses and Programs

Click here to explore a list of or, if not available yet, search for them with our powered by Google. We are constantly adding university courses and programs worldwide with the cooperation of university representatives.

You can also explore our new A-Z Guide to 8,100 University Programs, Courses and Degrees to learn more about study outlines and typical duration, tuition ranges, career prospects, salary expectations of each course/program/degree.

Tuition Fees

Introduction

Yearly tuition fees refers to the amount of money that a student is charged by a University for one academic year of full-time study. Read our guide article about tuition fees and financial aid options to learn more.


Yearly Tuition Fees Range Matrix

This California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Tuition Fees Range Matrix is divided into 2 types of students, local and international students, and 2 degree levels, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and aims to help students to have an approximate idea of the yearly tuition range they might expect to pay at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo: Tuition Fees Range Matrix

Undergraduate Postgraduate
Local
students
10,000-12,499 US$
(9,110-11,390 Euro)
10,000-12,499 US$
(9,110-11,390 Euro)
International
students
25,000-29,999 US$
(22,780-27,340 Euro)
20,000-24,999 US$
(18,225-22,780 Euro)

Tip: search for California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's tuition fees with the uniRank Search Engine

Admissions

Introduction

Applying for admission is the first step towards achieving students' academic and career goals and accessing the many opportunities and resources that a university has to offer. Read our "Introduction to University Admissions" article to learn more.


Admission Information

uniRank publishes below some basic California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's admission information.

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Gender Admission Policy Gender Admission

This institution admits Men and Women (coed).


California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Admission Selection Admission Selection

Has California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo a selective admission policy? Yes, based on students' past academic records and grades.


Acceptance Rate Admission Rate

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's acceptance rate range is 30-39% making this institution a very selective higher education institution.


Admission Requirements Admission Requirements

  • Secondary school GPA is required
  • Secondary school rank is neither required nor recommended
  • Secondary school record is required
  • Completion of college-preparatory program is required
  • Recommendations are neither required nor recommended
  • Formal demonstration of competencies is neither required nor recommended
  • Admission test scores are required
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is neither required nor recommended
  • Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.) is neither required nor recommended

Source: IPDES


California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's International Students Admission International Students Admission

International students are welcome to apply for admission at this institution.


California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Admission Office Admission Office

1 Grand Ave
San Luis Obispo 93401
805 756 2910


Tip: search for California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's admission policy with the uniRank Search Engine

Size and Profile

Introduction

University size and profile can be important factors to consider when choosing a university. Here are some potential reasons why University size and profile can affect students when choosing a university.


Size and Profile

uniRank publishes below some major size and profile indicators for California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Total Student Enrollment Student Enrollment

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo has an enrollment range of 20,000-24,999 students making it a large-sized institution.


California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Total Faculty/Academic staff Academic Staff

This institution has a range of 1,000-1,499 academic employees (Faculty).


California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Control Type Control Type

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is a public higher education institution.


California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Entity Type Entity Type

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is a non-profit higher education institution.


California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Campus Setting Campus Setting

This institution's main campus is located in a Suburban setting.


California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Academic Calendar Academic Calendar

This institution adopts a Quarters type of academic calendar.


Religious Affiliation

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo does not have any religious affiliation.


Carnegie Classification

Introduction

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is a framework for categorizing colleges and universities in the United States...


The classification was first created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in 1970, and it has been updated periodically since then. The Carnegie Classification is based on a set of criteria, such as the level and types of degrees offered, research activity and enrollment size. Institutions are classified into one of several categories based on these criteria, ranging from "doctoral universities" with very high research activity to "special focus institutions" that primarily award degrees in a specific field, such as the arts or health professions. The classification allows for quick comparisons between institutions within and across categories.

Carnegie Classification

uniRank provides below the official California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Carnegie classification.

Basic Classification Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
Size & Setting Four-year, large, primarily residential institution
Enrollment Profile Very high undergraduate
Undergraduate Profile Four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in institution
Undergraduate Instructional Program Professions plus arts & sciences, some graduate coexistence
Graduate Instructional Program Postbaccalaureate: Comprehensive programs

Facilities and Services

Introduction

What are the most common University facilities and services? Read our two guide articles about University Facilities and University Services to learn more.


University Facilities

uniRank provides below an overview of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's main facilities:


California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Library University Library

This institution has a physical Library. Visit California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Library

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's library does not have any external branch. The library collection is comprised of both physical (i.e. books, medium, etc.) and digital/electronic items. In 2021 the library reported 262,469 physical volumes, 99,647 physical media, 260,276 digital/electronic media and 223 licensed digital/electronic databases. The library is managed by a total number of 40 full-time employees, including 9 librarians. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's library has a total library expenditure greater than $100,000 per year. Source: IPDES.

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Housing University Housing

This institution provides housing services such as on-campus residences or dormitories.

In particular, the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo provides on-campus housing and the total dormitory capacity, whether on or off campus, was about 8,147 students in the 2021 academic year. Source: IPDES.

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Sport Facilities/Activities Sport Facilities/Activities

This institution features sporting facilities and organizes sports activities for its students.



University Services

uniRank provides below an overview of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's main services:


California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Financial Aid Financial Aid

This institution offers one or more of the following financial aid for eligible students: scholarships, grants, loans, tuition waivers, emergency financial aid etc.

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Study Abroad Study Abroad

This institution offers study abroad and exchange program opportunities for its students.

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Distance Learning Distance Learning

This institution provides a distance learning mode for certain programs or courses.

In particular, this institution offers some courses via distance education at the undergraduate level and at the graduate level. Source: IPDES.

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Academic Counseling Academic Counseling

Not reported

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Career Services Career Services

Not reported


Recognition and Accreditation

Introduction

There are different types of legal recognition and quality assessment of higher education institutions around the world, depending on the country and its legal and higher education system... read our article about university accreditation and recognition to learn more.


California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Recognition or Accreditation Institutional Recognition or Accreditation

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is legally recognized and/or institutionally accredited by: WASC Senior College and University Commission

Year of first Recognition or Accreditation

1951


Specialized or Programmatic Accreditations

uniRank publishes the following list of the most important California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's programmatic accreditations; feel free to submit any relevant missing specialized accreditations.

  • Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • American Association for Leisure and Recreation, Council on Accreditation
  • American Chemical Society
  • American Council for Construction Education
  • Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions
  • Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • American Society of Landscape Architects, Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board
  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation
  • National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation
  • Planning Accreditation Board


Tip: search for California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's accreditations with the uniRank Search Engine

Memberships and Affiliations

Introduction

University memberships and affiliations to external organizations can be important for several reasons... read our article about university affiliations and memberships to learn more.


Affiliations and Memberships

uniRank publishes the following list of the most important California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's affiliations and memberships; feel free to submit any relevant missing higher education-related organizations this university is affiliated with.

  • California State University System (CSU)
  • American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)
  • Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU)
  • National Athletic Association (NAA)
  • National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structure

Introduction

Academic divisions can provide valuable insights into the range of fields of study and disciplines a University focuses on and the institution's level of specialization. Comprehensive or Generalist Universities typically offer a wide range of academic programs and have many academic divisions and subdivisions across different disciplines, while Specialized Universities tend to focus on a narrower range of programs within a specific field or industry and have fewer academic divisions and a simplified organizational structure. Read our guide article "Understanding Academic Divisions in Universities - Colleges, Faculties, Schools" to learn more about academic divisions and typical university organizational structures.


Academic Structure

uniRank shows a structural diagram of the first-level academic divisions of the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 's organizational structure; feel free to submit any relevant missing division.


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Social Media

Introduction

Social media can be a powerful tool for Universities to communicate with current students, alumni, faculty, staff and the wider community. But how can social media be important for prospective students? Read our article about the importance of Social Media for universities and prospective students to learn more.


Social Media

uniRank publishes brief reviews, rankings and metrics of some California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's social media channels as a starting point for comparison and an additional selection tool for potential applicants.


Facebook Facebook

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Facebook page California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's official Facebook page

Twitter X (Twitter)

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's X (formerly Twitter) page California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's official Twitter page

YouTube YouTube

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's YouTube channel California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's official YouTube channel

Instagram Instagram

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's Instagram page California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's official Instagram channel

LinkedIn LinkedIn

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's main LinkedIn profile

TikTok TikTok

n.a.

Free Online Courses

Open Education Global Open Education Global

This higher education institution is not a member of the Open Education Global (OEGlobal) organization that is developing, implementing and supporting free open education and free online courses. View a list of Open Education Global members by country.


Related Resources

Feedback, Errors and Update

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Site last updated: Wednesday, 7 February 2024

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