Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and California Northstate University

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and California Northstate University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Cal Poly is a four-year, public school located in San Luis Obispo, CA and California Northstate University is a four-year, private (for-profit) school located in Elk Grove, CA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Cal Poly is a public and California Northstate University is a private (for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • California Northstate University has more expensive tuition & fees ($59,254) than Cal Poly ($30,995).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than California Northstate University.
  • Cal Poly has more students with 22,000 students while California Northstate University has 962 students.
  • California Northstate University has a lower number of students per faculty with 7 to 1 while Cal Poly's ratio is 20 to 1.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispovs.California Northstate University
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationElk Grove, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie Classification
In-State$11,075
Out-Of-State$30,995
2024 Tuition & Fees$59,254
50%% Receiving Financial Aid48%
$7,853Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,671
29.75 %Acceptance Rates84.85 %
27.83 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)8.33 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
85 %Graduation Rate76 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate-
94 %Retention Rate100 %
22,000Student Population962
881Number of Faculties-
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesWeekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Placement services