Auburn University vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Auburn, AL — San Luis Obispo, CA

Metric
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location Auburn, AL San Luis Obispo, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 26,816 21,996
Acceptance Rate 45.9% 31.3%
SAT Average 1,345
In-State Tuition $12,890 $13,596
Out-of-State Tuition $34,922 $34,665
Avg Net Price $24,323 $16,665
Median Debt at Graduation $21,000 $18,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 80.6% 85.7%
Retention Rate 94.8% 95.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $54,629 $72,358
Median Earnings (10 yr) $65,337 $90,768
Loan Repayment Rate 527100.0% 437700.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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Auburn University
Auburn, AL
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Auburn University and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?
Auburn University (Auburn, AL) has an acceptance rate of 45.9%, in-state tuition of $12,890, and median 10-year earnings of $65,337. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) has an acceptance rate of 31.3%, in-state tuition of $13,596, and median 10-year earnings of $90,768.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Auburn University or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $65,337. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Auburn University or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is the more affordable option at $16,665 per year versus $24,323.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.7% vs 80.6%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025