Western Colorado University vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Gunnison, CO — San Luis Obispo, CA
| Metric | Western Colorado University Gunnison, CO | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Gunnison, CO | San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 1,586 | 21,996 |
| Acceptance Rate | 99.7% | 31.3% |
| SAT Average | 1,230 | — |
| In-State Tuition | $11,318 | $13,596 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $24,434 | $34,665 |
| Avg Net Price | $16,425 | $16,665 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,250 | $18,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 50.6% | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 72.4% | 95.5% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $40,037 | $72,358 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $46,833 | $90,768 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 92500.0% | 437700.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Western Colorado University
Gunnison, CO
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Western Colorado University and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?▼
Western Colorado University (Gunnison, CO) has an acceptance rate of 99.7%, in-state tuition of $11,318, and median 10-year earnings of $46,833. 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, Western Colorado 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 $46,833. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Western Colorado University or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Western Colorado University is the more affordable option at $16,425 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 50.6%.
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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