Academic Comparison between Fresno State and Cal Poly

California State University-San Marcos 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 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.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Fresno State Cal Poly
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationSan Luis Obispo, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$7,734
Out-Of-State$19,614
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,075
Out-Of-State$30,995
65%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$8,305Average Amount of Financial Aid$7,853
96.00 %Acceptance Rates30.00 %
16.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)28.00 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
56 %Graduation Rate85 %
3 %Transfer-out Rate1 %
72 %Retention Rate94 %
15,109Student Population22,000
392Number of Faculties881
23 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio20 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, 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