California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs Lehigh University

San Luis Obispo, CA — Bethlehem, PA

Metric
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
Location San Luis Obispo, CA Bethlehem, PA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 21,996 5,898
Acceptance Rate 31.3% 25.9%
SAT Average 1,440
In-State Tuition $13,596 $64,980
Out-of-State Tuition $34,665 $64,980
Avg Net Price $16,665 $36,931
Median Debt at Graduation $18,500 $21,960
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.7% 88.5%
Retention Rate 95.5% 93.7%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $72,358 $88,810
Median Earnings (10 yr) $90,768 $105,584
Loan Repayment Rate 437700.0% 126500.0%

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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Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and Lehigh 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. Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) has an acceptance rate of 25.9%, in-state tuition of $64,980, and median 10-year earnings of $105,584.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Lehigh University?
Lehigh University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $105,584 vs $90,768. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Lehigh 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 $36,931.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Lehigh University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 88.5% 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