Academic Comparison between Cal State Fullerton and Cal Poly

California State University-Fullerton and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 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 State University-Fullertonvs.California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Fullerton, CaliforniaLocationSan Luis Obispo, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$7,073
Out-Of-State$18,953
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,075
Out-Of-State$30,995
68%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$8,389Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,853
86.74 %Acceptance Rates29.75 %
16.77 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)27.83 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
69 %Graduation Rate85 %
2 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
86 %Retention Rate94 %
40,386Student Population22,000
1,018Number of Faculties881
24 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio20 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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