Western Washington University vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Bellingham, WA — San Luis Obispo, CA
| Metric | Western Washington University Bellingham, WA | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Bellingham, WA | San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 13,544 | 21,996 |
| Acceptance Rate | 93.3% | 31.3% |
| SAT Average | 1,289 | — |
| In-State Tuition | $9,582 | $13,596 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $28,707 | $34,665 |
| Avg Net Price | $21,193 | $16,665 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,500 | $18,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 65.1% | 85.7% |
| Retention Rate | 79.4% | 95.5% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $45,272 | $72,358 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $62,569 | $90,768 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 496400.0% | 437700.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA
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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 Washington University and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compare?▼
Western Washington University (Bellingham, WA) has an acceptance rate of 93.3%, in-state tuition of $9,582, and median 10-year earnings of $62,569. 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 Washington 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 $62,569. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Western Washington 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 $21,193.
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 65.1%.
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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