Northern Arizona University vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Flagstaff, AZ — San Luis Obispo, CA

Metric
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location Flagstaff, AZ San Luis Obispo, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 22,903 21,996
Acceptance Rate 89.6% 31.3%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $13,009 $13,596
Out-of-State Tuition $29,881 $34,665
Avg Net Price $14,158 $16,665
Median Debt at Graduation $19,000 $18,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 59.0% 85.7%
Retention Rate 75.5% 95.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $47,308 $72,358
Median Earnings (10 yr) $54,384 $90,768
Loan Repayment Rate 988900.0% 437700.0%

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

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Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Northern Arizona University and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?
Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ) has an acceptance rate of 89.6%, in-state tuition of $13,009, and median 10-year earnings of $54,384. 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, Northern Arizona 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 $54,384. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Northern Arizona University or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Northern Arizona University is the more affordable option at $14,158 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 59.0%.

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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