Central Michigan University vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Mount Pleasant, MI — San Luis Obispo, CA

Metric
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location Mount Pleasant, MI San Luis Obispo, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 10,035 21,996
Acceptance Rate 89.8% 31.3%
SAT Average 1,091
In-State Tuition $14,760 $13,596
Out-of-State Tuition $14,760 $34,665
Avg Net Price $17,597 $16,665
Median Debt at Graduation $27,000 $18,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 60.4% 85.7%
Retention Rate 75.4% 95.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $46,567 $72,358
Median Earnings (10 yr) $55,874 $90,768
Loan Repayment Rate 959200.0% 437700.0%

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

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Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Central Michigan University and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?
Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant, MI) has an acceptance rate of 89.8%, in-state tuition of $14,760, and median 10-year earnings of $55,874. 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, Central Michigan University 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 $55,874. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Central Michigan University or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
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 $17,597.
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 60.4%.

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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