Iowa State University vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Ames, IA — San Luis Obispo, CA
| Metric | Iowa State University Ames, IA | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Ames, IA | San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 25,367 | 21,996 |
| Acceptance Rate | 88.7% | 31.3% |
| SAT Average | 1,204 | — |
| In-State Tuition | $10,787 | $13,596 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $28,881 | $34,665 |
| Avg Net Price | $18,589 | $16,665 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,869 | $18,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 75.4% | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 87.6% | 95.5% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $53,873 | $72,358 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,386 | $90,768 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 923200.0% | 437700.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Full Profile
Iowa State University
Ames, IA
View full college profile →
Full Profile
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
View full college profile →
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Iowa State University and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?▼
Iowa State University (Ames, IA) has an acceptance rate of 88.7%, in-state tuition of $10,787, and median 10-year earnings of $63,386. 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, Iowa State 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 $63,386. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Iowa State 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 $18,589.
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 75.4%.
More Comparisons
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