Academic Comparison between Cal Poly and Westcliff University

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and Westcliff 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 Westcliff University is a four-year, private (for-profit) school located in Irvine, 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 Westcliff University is a private (for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Cal Poly has more expensive tuition & fees ($30,995) than Westcliff University ($21,000).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than Westcliff University.
  • Cal Poly has more students with 22,000 students while Westcliff University has 5,625 students.
  • Westcliff University has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Cal Poly's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • Cal Poly has more full-time faculties with 881 faculties while Westcliff University has 48 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispovs.Westcliff University
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaLocationIrvine, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationSchool of business and management
In-State$11,075
Out-Of-State$30,995
2024 Tuition & Fees$21,000
50%% Receiving Financial Aid27%
$7,853Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,395
30.00 %Acceptance Rates44.99 %
28.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)53.05 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
85 %Graduation Rate44 %
1 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
94 %Retention Rate74 %
22,000Student Population5,625
881Number of Faculties48
20 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio10 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Weekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services