California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs Kansas State University

San Luis Obispo, CA — Manhattan, KS

Metric
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
Location San Luis Obispo, CA Manhattan, KS
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 21,996 15,142
Acceptance Rate 31.3% 81.7%
SAT Average 1,151
In-State Tuition $13,596 $11,221
Out-of-State Tuition $34,665 $28,568
Avg Net Price $16,665 $19,406
Median Debt at Graduation $18,500 $21,250
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.7% 70.8%
Retention Rate 95.5% 85.6%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $72,358 $49,330
Median Earnings (10 yr) $90,768 $57,262
Loan Repayment Rate 437700.0% 746100.0%

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

Full Profile
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and Kansas 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. Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS) has an acceptance rate of 81.7%, in-state tuition of $11,221, and median 10-year earnings of $57,262.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Kansas State University?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $57,262. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Kansas 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 $19,406.
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 70.8%.

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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