California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs University of Southern California
San Luis Obispo, CA — Los Angeles, CA
| Metric | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | San Luis Obispo, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
| Type | Public | Private Nonprofit |
| Total Enrollment | 21,996 | 20,443 |
| Acceptance Rate | 31.3% | 9.8% |
| SAT Average | — | 1,495 |
| In-State Tuition | $13,596 | $72,097 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,665 | $72,097 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,665 | $32,740 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,500 | $18,000 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 85.7% | 91.9% |
| Retention Rate | 95.5% | 95.9% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $72,358 | $74,461 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $90,768 | $92,498 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 437700.0% | 435800.0% |
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 Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and University of Southern California 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 Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) has an acceptance rate of 9.8%, in-state tuition of $72,097, and median 10-year earnings of $92,498.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or University of Southern California?▼
University of Southern California graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $92,498 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 Southern California?▼
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 $32,740.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
University of Southern California has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 91.9% 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