
Cal Poly US News: A Comprehensive Guide to Cal Poly’s Rankings and Reputation
Cal Poly is a highly regarded public university located in San Luis Obispo, California. Founded in 1901, Cal Poly is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and architecture. The university has consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, making it a popular choice for students seeking a high-quality education.

Cal Poly’s Rankings and Reputation
According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Colleges rankings, Cal Poly is ranked:
- #69 among National Universities
- #34 among Public Universities
- #20 among Best Value Schools
Cal Poly also performs well in subject-specific rankings:
- #10 in Undergraduate Engineering
- #13 in Undergraduate Business
- #18 in Undergraduate Agriculture
These rankings reflect Cal Poly’s commitment to academic excellence and its ability to provide students with a comprehensive and rigorous education.
Factors Contributing to Cal Poly’s Success
Several factors contribute to Cal Poly’s success and high rankings:
- Strong Faculty: Cal Poly has a dedicated faculty of experienced and knowledgeable professors who are committed to teaching and research.
- Practical Focus: Cal Poly emphasizes hands-on learning and experiential education, providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world projects.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Cal Poly has invested heavily in state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, research centers, and student housing.
- Vibrant Campus Life: Cal Poly offers a vibrant and diverse campus life with a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities.
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Cal Poly is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming campus environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity.
Benefits of Attending Cal Poly
Attending Cal Poly offers several benefits to students:
- Excellent Career Prospects: Cal Poly graduates are highly sought after by employers due to their practical skills and industry experience.
- Strong Alumni Network: Cal Poly has a strong alumni network of over 200,000 graduates who provide support and mentorship to current students.
- Beautiful Campus: Cal Poly’s campus is located in a picturesque setting on California’s Central Coast, providing students with a beautiful and inspiring place to learn and live.
- Affordable Education: Compared to many other top universities, Cal Poly offers a relatively affordable education, making it a great value for students seeking a high-quality education.
- Personal Growth and Development: Cal Poly provides students with opportunities for personal growth and development through leadership programs, community service, and other extracurricular activities.
Innovative Programs at Cal Poly
Cal Poly is continuously innovating and developing new programs to meet the changing needs of students and industry:
- Digital Transformation Institute: The Digital Transformation Institute brings together faculty, students, and industry partners to explore and develop solutions for the digital transformation of businesses and society.
- Emerging Energy Technology Center: The Emerging Energy Technology Center focuses on research and development of sustainable energy technologies, including solar, wind, and geothermal energy.
- Human-Centered Design Institute: The Human-Centered Design Institute utilizes design thinking principles to create innovative solutions to real-world problems.
- PolyX: PolyX is Cal Poly’s online learning platform that offers a variety of courses and programs to students and working professionals around the world.
FAQs
Q: What are the top majors at Cal Poly?
A: Cal Poly’s top majors include engineering, business, agriculture, architecture, and computer science.
Q: Is Cal Poly a good school for international students?
A: Yes, Cal Poly welcomes international students and offers a variety of support services to help them succeed.
Q: What kind of financial aid is available at Cal Poly?
A: Cal Poly offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
Q: How do I apply to Cal Poly?
A: Applications to Cal Poly can be submitted online through the Cal State Apply system.
Q: What is Cal Poly’s acceptance rate?
A: Cal Poly’s acceptance rate for the 2023-24 academic year was 37%.
Q: What is the average GPA of Cal Poly students?
A: The average GPA of incoming Cal Poly freshmen for the 2023-24 academic year was 4.06.
Q: What is the cost of attendance at Cal Poly?
A: The total cost of attendance at Cal Poly for the 2023-24 academic year is estimated to be $36,000 for in-state students and $51,000 for out-of-state students.
Q: What is the graduation rate at Cal Poly?
A: Cal Poly’s six-year graduation rate is 77%.