North Dakota State University-Main Campus vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Fargo, ND — San Luis Obispo, CA

Metric
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Fargo, ND
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location Fargo, ND San Luis Obispo, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 9,471 21,996
Acceptance Rate 95.0% 31.3%
SAT Average 1,150
In-State Tuition $11,110 $13,596
Out-of-State Tuition $15,764 $34,665
Avg Net Price $15,543 $16,665
Median Debt at Graduation $23,199 $18,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 63.8% 85.7%
Retention Rate 78.4% 95.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $54,312 $72,358
Median Earnings (10 yr) $62,203 $90,768
Loan Repayment Rate 549700.0% 437700.0%

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

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North Dakota State University-Main Campus
Fargo, ND
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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 Dakota State University-Main Campus and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?
North Dakota State University-Main Campus (Fargo, ND) has an acceptance rate of 95.0%, in-state tuition of $11,110, and median 10-year earnings of $62,203. 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 Dakota 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 $62,203. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, North Dakota State University-Main Campus or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), North Dakota State University-Main Campus is the more affordable option at $15,543 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 63.8%.

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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