California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs California State University-Los Angeles

San Luis Obispo, CA — Los Angeles, CA

Metric
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Location San Luis Obispo, CA Los Angeles, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 21,996 19,562
Acceptance Rate 31.3% 91.3%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $13,596 $7,160
Out-of-State Tuition $34,665 $19,760
Avg Net Price $16,665 $3,967
Median Debt at Graduation $18,500 $13,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.7% 52.8%
Retention Rate 95.5% 71.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $72,358 $45,702
Median Earnings (10 yr) $90,768 $59,211
Loan Repayment Rate 437700.0% 569900.0%

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

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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and California State University-Los Angeles compare?
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. California State University-Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) has an acceptance rate of 91.3%, in-state tuition of $7,160, and median 10-year earnings of $59,211.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or California State University-Los Angeles?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $59,211. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or California State University-Los Angeles?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Los Angeles is the more affordable option at $3,967 per year versus $16,665.
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 52.8%.

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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