Is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo worth it?

San Luis Obispo, CA · public

Verdict

Typical students pay $16,665 a year after aid, graduate with $18,500 in federal debt, and earn $72,358 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $198, with a debt break-even of about 2.6 years.

Net price / year

$16,665

Admission rate

31%

Graduation rate

Median debt

$18,500

Earnings (6 yr)

$72,358

Earnings (10 yr)

$90,768

Est. monthly loan payment

$198

Loan-to-income ratio

26%

Debt break-even

2.6 years

How California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo compares

MetricCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoCaliforniaNational
Net price$16,665$18,742$16,642
Median debt$18,500$10,028$12,377
Earnings (6 yr)$72,358$33,633$33,037
Graduation rate

FAQ

How much does it cost to attend California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $16,665 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.

How much debt do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates typically carry?

Students who complete a program at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo leave with a median federal debt of $18,500, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.

What do California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn?

Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $72,358, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.

What is the graduation rate at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.

Is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo worth the debt?

Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 2.6 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.