Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and Cal State Fullerton

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and California State University-Fullerton are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in California

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Cal Poly has more expensive tuition & fees ($30,995) than Cal State Fullerton ($18,953).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than Cal State Fullerton.
  • Cal State Fullerton has more students with 40,386 students while Cal Poly has 22,000 students.
  • Cal Poly has a lower number of students per faculty with 20 to 1 while Cal State Fullerton's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • Cal State Fullerton has more full-time faculties with 1,018 faculties while Cal Poly has 881 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispovs.California State University-Fullerton
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationFullerton, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$11,075
Out-Of-State$30,995
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$7,073
Out-Of-State$18,953
50%% Receiving Financial Aid68%
$7,853Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,389
30.00 %Acceptance Rates87.00 %
28.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.00 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
85 %Graduation Rate69 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate2 %
94 %Retention Rate86 %
22,000Student Population40,386
881Number of Faculties1,018
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio24 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare
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