University of Iowa vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Iowa City, IA — San Luis Obispo, CA
| Metric | University of Iowa Iowa City, IA | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Iowa City, IA | San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 22,264 | 21,996 |
| Acceptance Rate | 83.6% | 31.3% |
| SAT Average | 1,200 | — |
| In-State Tuition | $11,283 | $13,596 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $33,371 | $34,665 |
| Avg Net Price | $22,531 | $16,665 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,500 | $18,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 73.9% | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 90.4% | 95.5% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $52,696 | $72,358 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $64,762 | $90,768 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 749800.0% | 437700.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do University of Iowa and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?▼
University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) has an acceptance rate of 83.6%, in-state tuition of $11,283, and median 10-year earnings of $64,762. 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 Iowa 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 $64,762. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Iowa 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 $22,531.
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 73.9%.
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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