Skip to main content
30.4%Acceptance
$11,075Tuition
21,521Students
85%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$90,768Earnings
#6 in CaliforniaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

Cost Details

In-State Tuition
$11,075
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,995
Average Net Price
$15,624
Students Receiving Financial Aid
18.3%
Room & Board (On Campus)
$17,220
Room & Board (Off Campus)
$18,042
Books & Supplies
$1,089
Total Cost of Attendance
$29,384
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,500
Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
$196/mo
Loan Repayment Rate
86.7%
Students Taking Federal Loans
23.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
18.3%

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants and scholarships. Source: U.S. Department of Education

Net price by family income bracket
Family Income Average Net Price
$0 – $30,000 $6,476
$30,001 – $48,000 $6,904
$48,001 – $75,000 $11,372
$75,001 – $110,000 $18,032
$110,001+ $26,920

Cost Estimator

Family Income
Residency
Housing

Cost Overview

Most families pay far less than the $30,995 out-of-state sticker price at Cal Poly. The average net price is $15,624 annually. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,476 per year, while those making $75,000-$110,000 pay $18,032. Over four years, expect total costs between $26,000 and $108,000 depending on family income.

Cal Poly's "Learn by Doing" approach pays off financially. Graduates earn a median $62,831 in their first year after college, jumping to $90,768 after ten years. The typical monthly loan payment is $196 on $18,500 in debt. With a 95.9% employment rate, most graduates can handle these payments comfortably. Only 23.49% of students take federal loans, reflecting the school's affordability. In-state students get the best deal, representing 77.17% of enrollment and avoiding the hefty out-of-state premium.

Official Net Price Calculator

Get a personalized cost estimate from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo:

Visit Official Net Price Calculator

This links to the school's federally-required net price calculator for a personalized estimate.