California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs California State University-Monterey Bay
San Luis Obispo, CA — Seaside, CA
| Metric | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA | California State University-Monterey Bay Seaside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | San Luis Obispo, CA | Seaside, CA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 21,996 | 6,819 |
| Acceptance Rate | 31.3% | 97.4% |
| SAT Average | — | — |
| In-State Tuition | $13,596 | $7,779 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,665 | $20,379 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,665 | $13,663 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,500 | $12,750 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 85.7% | 61.1% |
| Retention Rate | 95.5% | 79.9% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $72,358 | $48,648 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $90,768 | $59,247 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 437700.0% | 216500.0% |
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-Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and California State University-Monterey Bay 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-Monterey Bay (Seaside, CA) has an acceptance rate of 97.4%, in-state tuition of $7,779, and median 10-year earnings of $59,247.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or California State University-Monterey Bay?▼
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $59,247. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or California State University-Monterey Bay?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Monterey Bay is the more affordable option at $13,663 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 61.1%.
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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