California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs North Carolina State University at Raleigh

San Luis Obispo, CA — Raleigh, NC

Metric
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
Location San Luis Obispo, CA Raleigh, NC
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 21,996 27,371
Acceptance Rate 31.3% 41.7%
SAT Average 1,376
In-State Tuition $13,596 $8,799
Out-of-State Tuition $34,665 $32,847
Avg Net Price $16,665 $17,303
Median Debt at Graduation $18,500 $20,121
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.7% 84.7%
Retention Rate 95.5% 94.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $72,358 $57,623
Median Earnings (10 yr) $90,768 $68,758
Loan Repayment Rate 437700.0% 703000.0%

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
View full college profile →
Full Profile
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and North Carolina State University at Raleigh 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. North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) has an acceptance rate of 41.7%, in-state tuition of $8,799, and median 10-year earnings of $68,758.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $68,758. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
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 $17,303.
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 84.7%.

More Comparisons

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