Cal Poly is a public land-grant university in San Luis Obispo, California. Founded in 1901, it is the only polytechnic university in the California State University system. Cal Poly offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, architecture, science, agriculture, and business.

Cal Poly has a strong reputation for academic excellence. According to U.S. News & World Report, Cal Poly is ranked among the top 100 national universities and the top 25 public universities in the United States. Cal Poly is also ranked among the top 10 engineering schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Cal Poly students benefit from a number of advantages, including:
- Strong academic programs: Cal Poly offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, architecture, science, agriculture, and business. The university’s engineering programs are particularly well-regarded, and Cal Poly has been ranked among the top 10 engineering schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
- Experienced faculty: Cal Poly’s faculty is made up of experienced professionals who are dedicated to teaching and research. Many of the faculty members have worked in industry before coming to Cal Poly, and they bring their real-world experience into the classroom.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Cal Poly’s campus is home to a number of state-of-the-art facilities, including the new Engineering Building, which opened in 2016. The university also has a number of research centers and institutes, which provide students with opportunities to work on cutting-edge research projects.
- Beautiful campus: Cal Poly’s campus is located in the heart of San Luis Obispo, a beautiful coastal city. The campus is surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, and it offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Cal Poly graduates are in high demand by employers. According to the university’s Career Services office, 95% of Cal Poly graduates are employed within six months of graduation. Cal Poly graduates also earn higher salaries than graduates from other universities in California.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding academic experience, Cal Poly is a great option. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a beautiful campus. Cal Poly graduates are in high demand by employers, and they earn higher salaries than graduates from other universities in California.
Why Cal Poly Matters
Cal Poly is a special place that offers students a unique and transformative learning experience. Here are just a few of the reasons why Cal Poly matters:
- Cal Poly is a polytechnic university. This means that we focus on hands-on learning and experiential education. Our students learn by doing, and they gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
- Cal Poly has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.
- Cal Poly is located in a beautiful and vibrant community. San Luis Obispo is a great place to live, learn, and grow. Our students have access to a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities, and they can enjoy the beautiful Central Coast climate.
Benefits of Attending Cal Poly
There are many benefits to attending Cal Poly. Here are just a few:
- You will receive a high-quality education. Cal Poly’s academic programs are rigorous and challenging, and our faculty is dedicated to teaching and research. You will learn from the best in the field, and you will gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen career.
- You will develop strong relationships with your classmates and professors. Cal Poly is a small university, and our students and faculty form close-knit relationships. You will have the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with your peers, and you will build lasting relationships with your professors.
- You will have access to a wide range of opportunities. Cal Poly offers a variety of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations. You will have the opportunity to get involved in a variety of activities, and you will develop new skills and interests.
- You will graduate with a degree that is in high demand. Cal Poly graduates are in high demand by employers. Our graduates have the skills and knowledge that employers need, and they earn higher salaries than graduates from other universities in California.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When applying to Cal Poly, it is important to avoid making some common mistakes. Here are a few tips:
- Don’t apply to too many schools. It is important to focus your time and energy on applying to a few schools that are a good fit for you. Applying to too many schools can decrease your chances of getting into your top choice schools.
- Don’t procrastinate. The Cal Poly application deadline is November 30th. It is important to start working on your application early so that you have plenty of time to complete it.
- Don’t forget to proofread your application. Make sure to proofread your application carefully before you submit it. Typos and grammatical errors can make a bad impression on the admissions committee.
FAQs
1. What is the average GPA of Cal Poly students?
The average GPA of Cal Poly students is 3.8.
2. What is the acceptance rate at Cal Poly?
The acceptance rate at Cal Poly is 26%.
3. What is the cost of attendance at Cal Poly?
The cost of attendance at Cal Poly is $27,486 for in-state students and $43,074 for out-of-state students.
4. What is the graduation rate at Cal Poly?
The graduation rate at Cal Poly is 71%.
5. What is the average salary of Cal Poly graduates?
The average salary of Cal Poly graduates is $65,000.
6. What is the average class size at Cal Poly?
The average class size at Cal Poly is 25 students.
7. What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Cal Poly?
The student-to-faculty ratio at Cal Poly is 19:1.
8. What is the housing situation like at Cal Poly?
Cal Poly offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including residence halls, apartments, and townhouses. The university also offers off-campus housing assistance to students who choose to live off campus.