California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs Purdue University-Main Campus

San Luis Obispo, CA — West Lafayette, IN

Metric
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
Location San Luis Obispo, CA West Lafayette, IN
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 21,996 44,503
Acceptance Rate 31.3% 49.9%
SAT Average 1,364
In-State Tuition $13,596 $9,992
Out-of-State Tuition $34,665 $28,794
Avg Net Price $16,665 $14,600
Median Debt at Graduation $18,500 $19,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.7% 83.1%
Retention Rate 95.5% 92.7%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $72,358 $60,838
Median Earnings (10 yr) $90,768 $72,424
Loan Repayment Rate 437700.0% 887400.0%

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
Purdue University-Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and Purdue University-Main Campus 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. Purdue University-Main Campus (West Lafayette, IN) has an acceptance rate of 49.9%, in-state tuition of $9,992, and median 10-year earnings of $72,424.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Purdue University-Main Campus?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $72,424. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Purdue University-Main Campus?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Purdue University-Main Campus is the more affordable option at $14,600 per year versus $16,665.
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 83.1%.

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