California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology

San Luis Obispo, CA — Cambridge, MA

Metric
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
Location San Luis Obispo, CA Cambridge, MA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 21,996 4,535
Acceptance Rate 31.3% 4.5%
SAT Average 1,560
In-State Tuition $13,596 $62,396
Out-of-State Tuition $34,665 $62,396
Avg Net Price $16,665 $20,111
Median Debt at Graduation $18,500 $14,768
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.7% 96.2%
Retention Rate 95.5% 99.1%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $72,358 $131,633
Median Earnings (10 yr) $90,768 $143,372
Loan Repayment Rate 437700.0% 58700.0%

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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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and Massachusetts Institute of Technology 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. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA) has an acceptance rate of 4.5%, in-state tuition of $62,396, and median 10-year earnings of $143,372.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $143,372 vs $90,768. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
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 $20,111.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 96.2% 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