California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs Carlow University

San Luis Obispo, CA — Pittsburgh, PA

Metric
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, PA
Location San Luis Obispo, CA Pittsburgh, PA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 21,996 1,348
Acceptance Rate 31.3% 87.0%
SAT Average 1,080
In-State Tuition $13,596 $35,874
Out-of-State Tuition $34,665 $35,874
Avg Net Price $16,665 $20,786
Median Debt at Graduation $18,500 $25,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.7% 57.6%
Retention Rate 95.5% 84.4%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $72,358 $44,876
Median Earnings (10 yr) $90,768 $51,051
Loan Repayment Rate 437700.0% 106200.0%

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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Carlow University
Pittsburgh, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and Carlow University 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. Carlow University (Pittsburgh, PA) has an acceptance rate of 87.0%, in-state tuition of $35,874, and median 10-year earnings of $51,051.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Carlow University?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $51,051. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Carlow University?
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 $20,786.
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 57.6%.

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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