California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs Iowa State University
San Luis Obispo, CA — Ames, IA
| Metric | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA | Iowa State University Ames, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | San Luis Obispo, CA | Ames, IA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 21,996 | 25,367 |
| Acceptance Rate | 31.3% | 88.7% |
| SAT Average | — | 1,204 |
| In-State Tuition | $13,596 | $10,787 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,665 | $28,881 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,665 | $18,589 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,500 | $22,869 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 85.7% | 75.4% |
| Retention Rate | 95.5% | 87.6% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $72,358 | $53,873 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $90,768 | $63,386 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 437700.0% | 923200.0% |
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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Iowa State University
Ames, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and Iowa State 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. Iowa State University (Ames, IA) has an acceptance rate of 88.7%, in-state tuition of $10,787, and median 10-year earnings of $63,386.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Iowa State University?▼
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $63,386. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Iowa State 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 $18,589.
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 75.4%.
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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