University of Massachusetts-Amherst vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Amherst, MA — San Luis Obispo, CA
| Metric | University of Massachusetts-Amherst Amherst, MA | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Amherst, MA | San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 23,671 | 21,996 |
| Acceptance Rate | 59.7% | 31.3% |
| SAT Average | 1,423 | — |
| In-State Tuition | $17,772 | $13,596 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,449 | $34,665 |
| Avg Net Price | $22,383 | $16,665 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,763 | $18,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 83.2% | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 91.9% | 95.5% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $60,347 | $72,358 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $71,631 | $90,768 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 893200.0% | 437700.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
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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 Massachusetts-Amherst and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?▼
University of Massachusetts-Amherst (Amherst, MA) has an acceptance rate of 59.7%, in-state tuition of $17,772, and median 10-year earnings of $71,631. 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 Massachusetts-Amherst 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 $71,631. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Massachusetts-Amherst 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 $22,383.
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 83.2%.
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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