Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
69,798 applied, 20,873 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
What does Cal Poly San Luis Obispo cost?
$18,832 a year in-state
Out of state: about $40,798 a year
What in-state students who got federal aid paid on average after grants, 2024-25. The in-state sticker price, with housing and food, is $36,515.
Tap your family income:
Average paid after grants by family income
under $30,000
$10,354
$30,000–$48,000
$9,975
$48,000–$75,000
$12,476
$75,000–$110,000
$18,082
over $110,000
$31,461
Sticker, in-state
$36,515
In-state, with aid
$18,832
At your income
Out-of-state tuition is $37,005 a year, against $15,039 in state. The out-of-state figure adds that $21,966 to the in-state average. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.
We haven't checked Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's fall 2027 application deadlines yet. Last year, regular decision was due Nov 30. Confirm this year's dates on its admissions site. Go to the college's site
What is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's acceptance rate?
30% for fall 2025: 20,873 of 69,798 applicants were admitted (Common Data Set).
What SAT score do you need for California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1240 to 1420 (Common Data Set, fall 2025). A quarter scored higher and a quarter lower, so a score in that range is typical, not a cutoff.
How much does California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo cost for a family earning $60,000?
In-state families earning $48,000–$75,000 paid an average of $12,476 a year after grants in 2024-25 (students who got federal aid). The sticker price is $36,515.
How much does California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo cost for out-of-state students?
Out-of-state tuition at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is $37,005 a year, against $15,039 for in-state students in 2025-26. In-state students who got federal aid paid $18,832 on average after grants in 2024-25. Adding the $21,966 tuition gap gives about $40,798 a year from out of state. Out-of-state students usually get less aid, so many pay more.
What is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's graduation rate?
85% of students finish within six years and 61% within four (IPEDS).
