North Carolina State University at Raleigh vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Raleigh, NC — San Luis Obispo, CA

Metric
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location Raleigh, NC San Luis Obispo, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 27,371 21,996
Acceptance Rate 41.7% 31.3%
SAT Average 1,376
In-State Tuition $8,799 $13,596
Out-of-State Tuition $32,847 $34,665
Avg Net Price $17,303 $16,665
Median Debt at Graduation $20,121 $18,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 84.7% 85.7%
Retention Rate 94.5% 95.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $57,623 $72,358
Median Earnings (10 yr) $68,758 $90,768
Loan Repayment Rate 703000.0% 437700.0%

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

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North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do North Carolina State University at Raleigh and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) has an acceptance rate of 41.7%, in-state tuition of $8,799, and median 10-year earnings of $68,758. 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, North Carolina State University at Raleigh 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 $68,758. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, North Carolina State University at Raleigh 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 $17,303.
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 84.7%.

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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