California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs Dartmouth College

San Luis Obispo, CA — Hanover, NH

Metric
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
Location San Luis Obispo, CA Hanover, NH
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 21,996 4,541
Acceptance Rate 31.3% 5.4%
SAT Average 1,534
In-State Tuition $13,596 $68,268
Out-of-State Tuition $34,665 $68,268
Avg Net Price $16,665 $29,519
Median Debt at Graduation $18,500 $17,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.7% 95.8%
Retention Rate 95.5% 98.4%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $72,358 $82,541
Median Earnings (10 yr) $90,768 $97,434
Loan Repayment Rate 437700.0% 57600.0%

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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Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and Dartmouth College 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. Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH) has an acceptance rate of 5.4%, in-state tuition of $68,268, and median 10-year earnings of $97,434.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Dartmouth College?
Dartmouth College graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $97,434 vs $90,768. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Dartmouth College?
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 $29,519.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Dartmouth College has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.8% vs 85.7%.

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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