Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and Fresno State

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and California State University-San Marcos 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 Fresno State ($19,614).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than Fresno State.
  • Cal Poly has more students with 22,000 students while Fresno State has 15,109 students.
  • Cal Poly has a lower number of students per faculty with 20 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 23 to 1.
  • Cal Poly has more full-time faculties with 881 faculties while Fresno State has 392 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispovs.California State University-San Marcos
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationSan Marcos, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$11,075
Out-Of-State$30,995
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$7,734
Out-Of-State$19,614
50%% Receiving Financial Aid65%
$7,853Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,305
29.75 %Acceptance Rates95.70 %
27.83 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.66 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
85 %Graduation Rate56 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate3 %
94 %Retention Rate72 %
22,000Student Population15,109
881Number of Faculties392
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio23 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, 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