California Polytechnic State University
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California Polytechnic State University: Rankings, Popular Courses, Fees

Shiksha popularity ranking
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#867 in World

#347 in USA

Rupee Coin Icon1292 Scholarships for studying in USA
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  • Institute Icon1321 acre campus
  • Estd. 1901
Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 11 Mar '26

Cal Poly
What's new?

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  • Cal Poly UG application deadline for international students is Oct 1, 2026 - Dec 1, 2026.
  • California Polytechnic State University application deadline for PG students is Apr 1, 2026 for Fall intake.

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
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Highlights
Q:   Is Cal Poly a prestigious university
A: 

Yes, California Polytechnic State University is one of the most prestigious universities for higher education in the USA. Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo is ranked at #1 under the Regional Universities West. Shiksha Popularity Rankings ranks Cal Poly at #867 in World and #347 in USA.

Q:   Is Cal Poly harder to get into than UCLA?
A: 

No, California Polytechnic State University acceptance rate is around 30%, which makes it hard to get into.

Whereas, University of California Los Angeles acceptance rate stands at 9%, which makes it highly competitive to get into.

Q:   Is California Polytechnic State University public or private?
A: 
  • California Polytechnic State University is a public research university located in the USA.
  • As per Shiksha Popularity Rankings, Cal Poly is ranked at #867 in world and #347 in USA.
  • The university offers various programs at UG and PG levels for its international students.

California Polytechnic State University Ranking 2026

#867

World level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
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#347

Country level
Shiksha Popularity Rank
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Commonly asked questions
On Rankings
Q:   What is Cal Poly ranked in the world?
A: 

California Polytechnic State University is one of the top ranked universities for higher education in the USA. As per Shiksha Popularity Rankings, the Cal Poly is ranked at #867 in world and #347 in USA. Top ranking bodies ranks Cal Poly that are listed below-

Ranking Authorities

Rank

Shiksha Popularity Rankings

#867 in world and #347 in USA

Times Higher Education 2019

#801-1000 in World University Rankings

QS Rankings 2026

#1201-1400 in QS World University Rankings

US News and World Report 2026

#1 in Regional Universities West

California Polytechnic State University Admission 2026

  • 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:   What is the application fee for international students at California Polytechnic State University?
A: 

California Polytechnic State University is one of top choice of international students in the USA. International students can apply for both UG and PG programs through Call State Apply. California Polytechnic State University application fee for international students-

Type of Program

Application Fee

UG

USD 70 (INR 6,440)

PG

USD 70 (INR 6,440)

Q:   What are the application deadline for international students at California Polytechnic State University?
A: 

California Polytechnic State University offers various programs at UG and PG levels for its international students. Cal Poly UG application deadline for international students is Oct 1, 2026 - Dec 1, 2026. California Polytechnic State University application deadline for PG students are listed as follows-

Intakes

PG Deadline

Fall

Apr 1, 2026

Spring

Dec 1, 2026

Winter

Sept 1, 2026

Q:   Is it hard to get into California Polytechnic State University?
A: 
  • California Polytechnic State University acceptance rate is around 30%, which makes it extremely hard to get into.
  • For Cal Poly admissions, international students must meet all the admission requirements at the university.
  • International students whose native langauge is not English, must submit proof of English language requriements at Cal Poly.







Cal Poly
California Polytechnic State University Scholarships

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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships
Q:   Does California Polytechnic State University offer scholarships for international students?
A: 

Yes, California Polytechnic State University offers scholarships for its international students. A few Cal Poly scholarships for international students are listed below-

  • Cal Poly Global Scholarship
  • Cal Poly Need-based scholarships

Cal Poly Popular Courses

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

₹18.26 LGet Fee Details

₹18.71 LGet Fee Details

₹16.26 LGet Fee Details

₹28.22 LGet Fee Details

₹23.15 LGet Fee Details

View AllMS Courses
A
Anonymous
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.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 225
Prepping time for classes40 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 52050
Reviewed on 8 Mar 2025Read more
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View 1 Review
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California Polytechnic State University Placements

Top Recruiters

KPMG
Oracle
Visit official career services website External Link Icon
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Commonly asked questions
On Placements
Q:   What is the placement rate at California Polytechnic State University?
A: 

According to Career Services data, California Polytechnic State University placement rate stands at 91%, and the graduates found employment within 9 months of graduation.

Cal Poly grads work for leading sectors such as Education, Operations, Business Development, etc.

Q:   In which sector California Polytechnic State University graduates work?
A: 

California Polytechnic State University placement rate is around 91%. The top sectors in which California Polytechnic State University graduates work are listed below-

  • Education
  • Operations
  • Business Development
  • Administrative
  • Research
Q:   How much does California Polytechnic State University graduates earn?
A: 

According to Career Services data, California Polytechnic State University placement rate stands at 91%. As per unofficial sources, the average salary of California Polytechnic State University MBA graduate are as follows-

Course

Salary (ROI)

MBA

USD 104,949

UG

USD 59,300







California Polytechnic State University Fees

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Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
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
B.E. / B.Tech(10 courses)
INR 20 L - 28 LGet Fee Details
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE, Duolingo
MEM(1 course)
Duration2 years
Exam AcceptedGMAT, GRE, IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE, Duolingo
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
M.Arch(1 course)
Duration2 years
Exam AcceptedGRE, IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE, Duolingo
BBA(1 course)
Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE, Duolingo
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility
Q:   How much does it cost to study at California Polytechnic State University for Indian students?
A: 

Cal Poly tuition fee may vary from one programme to another. California Polytechnic State University annual tuition fee for international students is listed below-

Course levelAnnual Tuition Fee in INR
UG
INR 19.58 L - 32.12 L
PG
INR 16.26 L - 28.22 L
Q:   Is it expensive to study at California Polytechnic State University for international students?
A: 

California Polytechnic State University tuition fees for international UG students ranges from INR 19.58 L - 32.12 L. The tuition fees for PG students at the Cal Poly ranges from INR 16.26 L - 28.22 L. California Polytechnic State University top programs fees for international students is listed below-

CourseTuition
MBA/PGDM
INR 23.15 L - 28.22 L
MS
INR 16.26 L - 28.22 L
MEM
INR 24.1 L
M.Arch
INR 17.96 L







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

California Polytechnic State University Notable Alumni

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Commonly asked questions
On Alumni
Q:   How many alumni does California Polytechnic State University have?
A: 

California Polytechnic State University alumni network features over 240,000 members from all over the world. Cal Poly alumni network include famous personalities, innovators, mentors, leaders, etc.

College comparison

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Compare Cal Poly with other similar colleges

MS
B.E. / B.Tech
MEM
MBA/PGDM
B.Arch
B.Sc.
M.Arch
BBA
College1st Year Tuition FeesRanking
INR 16.26 L - 28.22 L#1201 QS, 2026
INR 12.6 L -/-
INR 49.54 L - 79.98 L#20 US News, 2026
INR 16.18 L - 46.44 L#102 US News, 2026
INR 10.96 L - 25.26 L#352 US News, 2026
INR 26.11 L - 39.72 L#97 US News, 2026
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
View comparisons
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Cal Poly
Studying in USA

Key Facts About USA

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in USA
school Key Fact Icon
963+
backpack Key Fact Icon
3.38L
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
20 hours per week
cashRegister Key Fact Icon
12 months
Country stats
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Washington D.C.
keyUsers Key Fact Icon
347.28M (2025)
chartMixed Key Fact Icon
2%
letterA Key Fact Icon
English
Weather
March
CF
Popular LocationsMinMax
Boston-18
New York210
Chicago00
Los Angeles1121
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California Polytechnic State University Campus Life

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Commonly asked questions
On Others
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. 
Q:   How is California Polytechnic State University campus life?
A: 

California Polytechnic State University is home to more than 22,000 students on a 6,000-acre campus. Cal Poly features modern housing, 34 dining venues, and a strong, supportive community for its international students.

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Comments

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Cal Poly

Student Forum

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

Answered a year 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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S

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

...Read more

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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Kartik Bisht

Study Abroad Expert

Kartik Bisht holds a Bachelor of Computer Application degree and has worked in the field of education and study abroad for more than three years. He maintains data about major foreign universities, including the University of Oxford, Deaki... 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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