California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs South Dakota State University
San Luis Obispo, CA — Brookings, SD
| Metric | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA | South Dakota State University Brookings, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Location | San Luis Obispo, CA | Brookings, SD |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 21,996 | 9,198 |
| Acceptance Rate | 31.3% | 98.3% |
| SAT Average | — | 1,120 |
| In-State Tuition | $13,596 | $9,299 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,665 | $12,809 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,665 | $19,841 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,500 | $23,250 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 85.7% | 61.0% |
| Retention Rate | 95.5% | 83.8% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $72,358 | $49,564 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $90,768 | $55,070 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 437700.0% | 546900.0% |
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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South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and South Dakota 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. South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD) has an acceptance rate of 98.3%, in-state tuition of $9,299, and median 10-year earnings of $55,070.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or South Dakota State University?▼
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $55,070. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or South Dakota 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 $19,841.
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 61.0%.
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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