Academic Comparison between LCAD and Cal Poly

Laguna College of Art and Design and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. LCAD is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Laguna Beach, CA and Cal Poly is a four-year, public school located in San Luis Obispo, 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.

  • LCAD is a private (not-for-profit) and Cal Poly is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • LCAD has more expensive tuition & fees ($35,650) than Cal Poly ($30,995).
  • It is harder to admit to Cal Poly than LCAD.
  • Cal Poly has more students with 22,000 students while LCAD has 760 students.
  • LCAD has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while Cal Poly's ratio is 20 to 1.
  • Cal Poly has more full-time faculties with 881 faculties while LCAD has 24 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Laguna College of Art and Designvs.California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Laguna Beach, CaliforniaLocationSan Luis Obispo, California
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
School of art, music, and designCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$35,6502024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,075
Out-Of-State$30,995
100%% Receiving Financial Aid52%
$11,799Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,975
77.61 %Acceptance Rates29.75 %
64.90 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)27.83 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
63 %Graduation Rate85 %
-Transfer-out Rate1 %
79 %Retention Rate94 %
760Student Population22,000
24Number of Faculties881
9 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio20 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study AbroadSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare