California Polytechnic State University
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California Polytechnic State University: Courses, Admission, Cost

Shiksha popularity ranking
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#821 in World

#346 in USA

  • Institute Icon1321 acre campus
  • Estd. 1901

About California Polytechnic State University

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Year of establishment
1901
Also known as
Cal Poly
University website
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Student website
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Campus size
1321 acres
No. of campus
1
Endowment value
USD 209 million
Scholarships granted
10615
Scholarship amount granted
USD 83 million
English proficiency test
Required
Accepted exams
SAT/ACT accepted
Not required
Total faculty
889
Faculty/Student ratio
20
Male/Female ratio
0.91
UG/PG course ratio
0.6
Total criminal offences
129
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Commonly asked questions
On Highlights
Q:   What is California Polytechnic State University famous for?
A: 
Cal Poly, the California Polytechnic State University, is well-known for a number of reasons:
1. "Learn by Doing" Philosophy.
2. Solid Academic Reputation.
3. Cal Poly's Central Coast location offers easy access to opportunities for applied research in winemaking, agriculture, and unique coastal ecosystems.
4. Cal Poly's Diversity and Inclusion is dedicated to developing into a more varied, equal, and welcoming atmosphere where all people can thrive and experience a sense of safety, respect, and belonging.
5. High Rankings.
Q:   Will my life on campus be better at California Polytechnic State University than staying off-campus?
A: 
Students at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) may have a good time living on campus. The institution provides a range of accommodation choices, such as shared dorms, apartment-style living, and special housing for students with disabilities. Living on campus allows students to engage in university events, form close bonds with their peers, and have convenient access to all of the campus's amenities, classes, and events. Students who live on campus also have access to all of the school amenities, including academic support staff, counseling services, and campus security. It's crucial to remember that 60% of Cal Poly students reside off campus, and San Luis Obispo is a cozy town with lots of fascinating things to do in a calm setting. 

California Polytechnic State University Ranking 2025

#821

World level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
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#346

Country level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
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Commonly asked questions
On Rankings
Q:   What is the rank of California Polytechnic State University in the world?
A: 

According to U.S. News & World Report, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is the top Regional University in the West. The same publication has named it the finest public master's-level university in the West for the previous 27 years. Furthermore, Forbes has ranked Cal Poly as one of the top 25 public and private institutions in the West and as the best public master's-level university in California. The university's stellar academic reputation and dedication to provide top-notch instruction are reflected in these rankings.

California Polytechnic State University Admission 2025

  • Application fees :USD 55 - 70
  • Type of deadline :Depends on course
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNeeded for few courses
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNot required
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions
Q:   Is California Polytechnic State University a better option than IIT Guwahati, India for doing B.Tech?
A: 

The decision between IIT Guwahati, India, and California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) for a B.Tech programme is based on financial constraints, personal preferences, and professional objectives.Cal Poly provides possibilities for practical research, hands-on learning, and a strong "Learn by Doing" mentality. The student body of the institution is diverse, and it emphasizes experienced faculty, up-to-date facilities, and sufficient learning tools. For overseas students, Cal Poly is typically less expensive than IIT Guwahati. Nonetheless, IIT Guwahati is frequently listed as one of India's best engineering schools. IIT Guwahati is renowned for its talented teachers, demanding academic programs, and top-notch students. When compared to other comparable universities in Western nations, the cost of attending IIT Guwahati is extremely reasonable. 

Q:   Is it possible to get into B.Tech at California Polytechnic State University without work experience?
A: 

Through its College of Engineering, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) provides a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. In spite of the university's emphasis on "Learn by Doing" and its provision of opportunities for practical research, internships, and industry projects, employment experience is not a prerequisite for admission to the B.Tech program. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission to the hybrid bachelor's and master's degree program, which is based on academic achievement and other indicators of professional promise.Consequently, it is possible to enroll in Cal Poly's B.Tech programme without prior employment experience.

Q:   How is applying to California Polytechnic State University different from applying to other Universities in USA?
A: 

There are various ways in which applying to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is different from applying to other US universities. These are the main variations, according to the data at hand:

1. Application Procedure: Cal Poly uses Cal State to process online applications. Applying is open to both first-year and transfer students from October 1 through November 30. To increase their chances of being selected, students must select a major and review the selection criteria when submitting their applications.
2. Application requirements: Typically, the application calls for a transcript from high school, a college prep course load, and a high school GPA. It is not necessary nor advised to have SAT or ACT results.
3. Unless the applicant is exempt from paying an application cost, there is a $70 application fee per campus. Email is the main method of communication used during the admissions process.

Cal Poly
Scholarships

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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships
Q:   What are the job opportunities after doing B.Tech from California Polytechnic State University?
A: 

Students at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) with a B.Tech have many career options after graduation, especially in computer science. Students are prepared for employment in technology, engineering, and computer Science via the university's "Learn by Doing" methodology and solid industry contacts. Leaders in the sector including Google, Microsoft, Apple, IBM, Intel, and many more actively seek out recent graduates. Among other positions, they usually hold positions as database administrators, systems analysts, computer programmers, developers, and software engineers. The university's position in California, a center of creativity and technology, gives students access to chances that could have an international influence.

Cal Poly Popular Courses

MEM
B.E. / B.Tech
MS
MBA/PGDM
More

₹23.7 LGet Fee Details

A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Bachelor of Architecture - Batch of 2021
3.9
Perfect balance of working hard on the coursework and exploring the natural beauty of California.
Tips: Apart from adapting to American culture, everything is pretty easygoing and people are friendly and helpful. I haven't heard of any scholarships for international undergraduates during my time. The course is really satisfying, and there is great exposure for students. The alumni network is good too. The town where I studied was a safe, small college town. Police patrols were common to keep the area safe. I did not experience any sort of crime here that I saw happening in other bigger cities in the US. There are lots of helplines available for various things, and the University has a separate police department.
Dislikes (Indian Food): I didn’t really like the Indian food in San Luis Obispo. There isn’t really an Indian grocery store there, so it was hard to cook Indian food on my own. I normally order Indian food in if I’m busy, but once I’ve eaten all the takeout Indian food around here, I try to cook my own. The grocery stores there have all kinds of herbs and spices, so I have no problem cooking good Indian food at home.
Reviewed on 8 Mar 2025Read more
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Cal Poly
Placements 2025

Top Recruiters

KPMG
Oracle
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Commonly asked questions
On Placements
Q:   What are the popular sectors that Indian students prefer for doing part-time jobs at California Polytechnic State University?
A: 

Students at California Polytechnic frequently look for part-time jobs in retail, food service, tutoring, and administrative support, among other industries. Some students might also discover employment in their field of study, such internships or jobs as research assistants. It's crucial for students to look into local job markets and the career services department of the institution in order to locate part-time jobs that fit their interests and skill set.

Q:   What are the job opportunities after doing B.Tech from California Polytechnic State University?
A: 

Students at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) with a B.Tech have many career options after graduation, especially in computer science. Students are prepared for employment in technology, engineering, and computer Science via the university's "Learn by Doing" methodology and solid industry contacts. Leaders in the sector including Google, Microsoft, Apple, IBM, Intel, and many more actively seek out recent graduates. Among other positions, they usually hold positions as database administrators, systems analysts, computer programmers, developers, and software engineers. The university's position in California, a center of creativity and technology, gives students access to chances that could have an international influence.

California Polytechnic State University Fees

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Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
MEM(1 course)
Duration2 years
Exam AcceptedGMAT, GRE, IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE, Duolingo
B.E. / B.Tech(10 courses)
INR 19 L - 28 LGet Fee Details
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE, Duolingo
MS(8 courses)
INR 16 L - 28 LGet Fee Details
Duration10 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 115 & Above, GRE, GMAT
MBA/PGDM(3 courses)
INR 23 L - 28 LGet Fee Details
Duration10-24 months
Exam AcceptedGMAT, GRE, IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 115 & Above
B.Arch(1 course)
Duration5 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE, Duolingo: 115 & Above
B.Sc.(2 courses)
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE, Duolingo
BBA(1 course)
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE, Duolingo
M.Arch(1 course)
Duration2 years
Exam AcceptedGRE, IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE, Duolingo
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility
Q:   How much money is required in Indian rupees to study at California Polytechnic State University?
A: 

To calculate the Indian Rupee cost of attending California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). The annual tuition and fees for in-state students are $12,924. The annual tuition and expenses for out-of-state students are $26,970.

One USD is equivalent to 82.92 Indian rupees.

For in-state students, the annual amount is $12,924 * 82.92 INR/USD = 1,068,328.8 INR.

The annual cost for out-of-state students is $26,970 * 82.92 INR/USD, or 2,218,826 INR.

 

Q:   Is California Polytechnic State University, cheaper than Courses at University of Texas, Austin?
A: 

When it comes to in-state tuition, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is often less costly than the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). The in-state cost of tuition at Cal Poly is $11,752, while that of UT Austin is $10,610.It is important to remember, though, that the price of attending a university might change based on a number of criteria, including the programme and degree level. The total cost of attending a university can also be impacted by other costs including housing, living expenses, and other costs. It is therefore advised that prospective students, taking into account their unique demands and circumstances, investigate and contrast the expenses of attending various universities.

Q:   Is a score of 85 in TOEFL good for California Polytechnic State University?
A: 

For California Polytechnic State University, a TOEFL score of 85 is typically regarded as good (Cal Poly). However, each programme and degree of study has a different minimum TOEFL score needed for admission to Cal Poly. Depending on the curriculum, Cal Poly requires a minimum TOEFL score ranging from 61 to 92. It's crucial to remember that admission to Cal Poly is determined by the institution taking into account additional elements including extracurricular activities, academic achievement, and personal statements in addition to the minimum TOEFL score required. Furthermore, need-based scholarships may be available to international students, helping to defray some of the expense of tuition.







Cal Poly
Student profile

Quick university statsInsights on student demographics, enrolment, and academic success
UG Race

Others

63%

Hispanic

21%

Asian

14%

UG Student residence

In state

83%

Out of state

15%

Foreign

1%

UG Age distribution

24 and under

97%

25 and over

2%

UG Applicant Icon

UG Number of Applicant

58774
grad RateIcon

Overall Graduation Rate

85
UG Enroll Icon

UG Enrollment

21026
PG Enroll Icon

PG Enrollment

974

Cal Poly
College comparison

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Compare Cal Poly with other similar colleges

MEM
B.E. / B.Tech
MS
MBA/PGDM
B.Arch
B.Sc.
BBA
M.Arch
College1st Year Tuition FeesRanking
INR 23.7 L#1201 QS, 2026
INR 22.3 L#132 US News, 2026
INR 15.89 L - 18.16 L#117 US News, 2026
INR 42.87 L#80 US News, 2026
INR 14.75 L#273 US News, 2026
INR 26.71 L#127 US News, 2026
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
View comparisonsRight Arrow Icon

Cal Poly
Studying in USA

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Education in USA
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963+
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3.38L
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20 hours per week
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12 months
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Washington D.C.
keyUsers Key Fact Icon
347.28M (2025)
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2%
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English
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October
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Popular LocationsMinMax
Boston817
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Chicago1017
Los Angeles1626
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California Polytechnic State University Campus Life

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Cal Poly

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 9 months ago

To have an edge or increase in getting a scholarship at California Polytechnic State University you need to maintain high scores in your college and should have the best scores on the entrance exam like having about 3.0 GPA or higher than it so that you may make it. And to add to it if you had an ex

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Srinivasp Paripelli

Beginner-Level 4

Answered a year ago

Caly Poly campus size is 9,178 acres. This campus is the second the largest in California and of the largest in the nation. The total student body at this university is over 22,000. The student-to-faculty ratio at the university is 19:1. On top of this, according to Money magazine, Caly Poly is amon

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43342425
Akanksha Malhotra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a year ago

Caly Poly University has a single campus only. The university’s location is midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on US Highway 101. The university has 6 colleges for academics and hands-on learning focus. These colleges are Architecture and Environmental Design; Engineering; Liberal Arts; Sc

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43342425
Akanksha Malhotra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a year ago

Yes, Caly Poly offers housing to international students. Residence hall options are available for first-year students. Apartments option are available for graduate students. The housing cost for UG students for the academic year 2023-23 shall be USD 10,476. This is around INR 8.75 L.

43342425
Akanksha Malhotra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a year ago

California Polytechnic State University is centrally located in San Luis Obispo, California. The campus of this university is less than a 5-minute drive from Downtown SLO and is located within 20 minutes of beaches, including Cayucos State Beach, Avila Beach, Morro Bay, and more. In exact terms, Cal

...Read more

43342425
Akanksha Malhotra

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

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Chandra Shekhar

Study Abroad Expert

With over 6 years of overall work experience in Content Writing, Chandra Shekhar has worked on various content writing profiles like Technical and Education-based. He has been involved in writing for higher education and abroad studies for more than ...Read Full Bio
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Cal Poly
Location

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University CitySan Luis Obispo, California, USA

Cal Poly
Campuses

Departments Icon1   Campuses
Cal Poly CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 USA

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Cal Poly
Contact Information

Address

1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, California (CA) 93407
San Luis Obispo ( California)

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