California College of the Arts vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Francisco, CA — San Luis Obispo, CA

Metric
California College of the Arts
San Francisco, CA
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location San Francisco, CA San Luis Obispo, CA
Type Private Nonprofit Public
Total Enrollment 990 21,996
Acceptance Rate 91.1% 31.3%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $60,226 $13,596
Out-of-State Tuition $60,226 $34,665
Avg Net Price $53,909 $16,665
Median Debt at Graduation $27,000 $18,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 62.3% 85.7%
Retention Rate 86.7% 95.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $38,308 $72,358
Median Earnings (10 yr) $49,414 $90,768
Loan Repayment Rate 59800.0% 437700.0%

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

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California College of the Arts
San Francisco, CA
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California College of the Arts and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?
California College of the Arts (San Francisco, CA) has an acceptance rate of 91.1%, in-state tuition of $60,226, and median 10-year earnings of $49,414. 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, California College of the Arts 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 $49,414. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California College of the Arts 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 $53,909.
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 62.3%.

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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