California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs University of Pennsylvania

San Luis Obispo, CA — Philadelphia, PA

Metric
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Location San Luis Obispo, CA Philadelphia, PA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 21,996 10,650
Acceptance Rate 31.3% 5.4%
SAT Average 1,553
In-State Tuition $13,596 $68,686
Out-of-State Tuition $34,665 $68,686
Avg Net Price $16,665 $28,699
Median Debt at Graduation $18,500 $15,715
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.7% 96.7%
Retention Rate 95.5% 98.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $72,358 $90,555
Median Earnings (10 yr) $90,768 $111,371
Loan Repayment Rate 437700.0% 202200.0%

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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University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and University of Pennsylvania 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. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) has an acceptance rate of 5.4%, in-state tuition of $68,686, and median 10-year earnings of $111,371.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $111,371 vs $90,768. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of Pennsylvania?
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 $28,699.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 96.7% 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