New Mexico State University-Main Campus vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Las Cruces, NM — San Luis Obispo, CA

Metric
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location Las Cruces, NM San Luis Obispo, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 11,946 21,996
Acceptance Rate 89.0% 31.3%
SAT Average 1,011
In-State Tuition $8,183 $13,596
Out-of-State Tuition $25,307 $34,665
Avg Net Price $8,889 $16,665
Median Debt at Graduation $17,095 $18,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 53.8% 85.7%
Retention Rate 73.4% 95.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $32,960 $72,358
Median Earnings (10 yr) $39,067 $90,768
Loan Repayment Rate 909200.0% 437700.0%

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

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New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do New Mexico State University-Main Campus and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?
New Mexico State University-Main Campus (Las Cruces, NM) has an acceptance rate of 89.0%, in-state tuition of $8,183, and median 10-year earnings of $39,067. 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, New Mexico State University-Main Campus 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 $39,067. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, New Mexico State University-Main Campus or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), New Mexico State University-Main Campus is the more affordable option at $8,889 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 53.8%.

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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