California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
San Luis Obispo, CA — Blacksburg, VA
| Metric | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | San Luis Obispo, CA | Blacksburg, VA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 21,996 | 30,923 |
| Acceptance Rate | 31.3% | 54.8% |
| SAT Average | — | 1,364 |
| In-State Tuition | $13,596 | $15,948 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,665 | $37,764 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,665 | $24,953 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,500 | $21,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 85.7% | 86.3% |
| Retention Rate | 95.5% | 93.1% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $72,358 | $67,377 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $90,768 | $81,698 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 437700.0% | 661700.0% |
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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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and 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. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA) has an acceptance rate of 54.8%, in-state tuition of $15,948, and median 10-year earnings of $81,698.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?▼
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $81,698. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and 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 $24,953.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 86.3% 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