Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Blacksburg, VA — San Luis Obispo, CA
| Metric | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Blacksburg, VA | San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 30,923 | 21,996 |
| Acceptance Rate | 54.8% | 31.3% |
| SAT Average | 1,364 | — |
| In-State Tuition | $15,948 | $13,596 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $37,764 | $34,665 |
| Avg Net Price | $24,953 | $16,665 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 | $18,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 86.3% | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 93.1% | 95.5% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $67,377 | $72,358 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $81,698 | $90,768 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 661700.0% | 437700.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Full Profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA
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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?▼
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Blacksburg, VA) has an acceptance rate of 54.8%, in-state tuition of $15,948, and median 10-year earnings of $81,698. 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, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State 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 $81,698. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 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 $24,953.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?▼
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 86.3% vs 85.7%.
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