California State University-Sacramento vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Sacramento, CA — San Luis Obispo, CA

Metric
California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location Sacramento, CA San Luis Obispo, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 28,350 21,996
Acceptance Rate 94.0% 31.3%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $8,018 $13,596
Out-of-State Tuition $20,618 $34,665
Avg Net Price $9,338 $16,665
Median Debt at Graduation $15,000 $18,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 56.1% 85.7%
Retention Rate 81.9% 95.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $51,074 $72,358
Median Earnings (10 yr) $64,876 $90,768
Loan Repayment Rate 911700.0% 437700.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California State University-Sacramento and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?
California State University-Sacramento (Sacramento, CA) has an acceptance rate of 94.0%, in-state tuition of $8,018, and median 10-year earnings of $64,876. 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.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California State University-Sacramento or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $90,768 vs $64,876. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-Sacramento or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Sacramento is the more affordable option at $9,338 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 56.1%.

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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