University of California-Davis vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Davis, CA — San Luis Obispo, CA

Metric
University of California-Davis
Davis, CA
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
Location Davis, CA San Luis Obispo, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 32,253 21,996
Acceptance Rate 41.8% 31.3%
SAT Average
In-State Tuition $16,774 $13,596
Out-of-State Tuition $50,974 $34,665
Avg Net Price $14,741 $16,665
Median Debt at Graduation $13,000 $18,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.4% 85.7%
Retention Rate 92.8% 95.5%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $58,461 $72,358
Median Earnings (10 yr) $80,838 $90,768
Loan Repayment Rate 804400.0% 437700.0%

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

Full Profile
University of California-Davis
Davis, CA
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 University of California-Davis and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?
University of California-Davis (Davis, CA) has an acceptance rate of 41.8%, in-state tuition of $16,774, and median 10-year earnings of $80,838. 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, University of California-Davis 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 $80,838. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-Davis or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Davis is the more affordable option at $14,741 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 85.4%.

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