Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and UCI

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and University of California-Irvine 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.
  • UCI has more expensive tuition & fees ($45,014) than Cal Poly ($30,995).
  • It is harder to admit to UCI than Cal Poly.
  • UCI has more students with 35,937 students while Cal Poly has 22,000 students.
  • UCI has a lower number of students per faculty with 18 to 1 while Cal Poly's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • UCI has more full-time faculties with 2,125 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.University of California-Irvine
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationIrvine, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$11,075
Out-Of-State$30,995
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$14,237
Out-Of-State$45,014
50%% Receiving Financial Aid74%
$7,853Average Amount of Financial Aid$18,266
30.00 %Acceptance Rates26.00 %
28.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.00 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
85 %Graduation Rate86 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate6 %
94 %Retention Rate91 %
22,000Student Population35,937
881Number of Faculties2,125
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 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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