Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and San Diego State

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and San Diego State University 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 San Diego State ($20,170).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than San Diego State.
  • San Diego State has more students with 37,402 students while Cal Poly has 22,000 students.
  • Cal Poly has a lower number of students per faculty with 20 to 1 while San Diego State's ratio is 25 to 1.
  • San Diego State has more full-time faculties with 954 faculties while Cal Poly has 881 full-time faculties.
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Cal Poly San Diego State
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispovs.San Diego State University
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationSan Diego, 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$8,290
Out-Of-State$20,170
50%% Receiving Financial Aid61%
$7,853Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,114
30.00 %Acceptance Rates34.00 %
28.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.00 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
85 %Graduation Rate78 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
94 %Retention Rate89 %
22,000Student Population37,402
881Number of Faculties954
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio25 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
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