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Public, 4-year

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, California · calpoly.edu

中文

U.S. News Global 2027

#1278

Down 180 from 2026

QS World 2027

#1401

Down 200 from 2026

Acceptance rate

31.3%

2025

Peer median 85.8%

Out-of-state tuition

$33,230

In-state $12,161

Peer median $18,658

Undergraduates

22,033

Student-faculty ratio 19:1

Peer median 16 : 1

Graduation rate

59.6%

4-year; 6-year rate 85.5%

Peer median 29.5%

“Peers” are all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, commonly known as Cal Poly, is a distinguished public university located in San Luis Obispo, California. It is part of the California State University system and is renowned for its strong emphasis on a "learn by doing" philosophy. This hands-on approach to education is integrated into all programs, encouraging students to engage in practical experiences and projects that prepare them for real-world challenges. Cal Poly offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in engineering, agriculture, and architecture. The university is often recognized for its exceptional engineering programs and is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the United States.

The campus is situated in a picturesque location, surrounded by rolling hills and close to the Pacific coast, providing students with a vibrant and engaging environment. The university promotes a diverse and inclusive culture, fostering a sense of community among its students. With state-of-the-art facilities, including modern laboratories, studios, and recreational areas, Cal Poly ensures that students have access to the resources they need to excel academically and socially. The university also boasts a strong athletics program, with various sports teams competing at the NCAA Division I level, contributing to a spirited campus life. Additionally, Cal Poly has a robust alumni network, which aids in job placement and career development for graduates, reflecting the university's commitment to student success.

Analysis of Tuition Trends and Graduation Rates

The tuition fees at California Polytechnic State University have shown a significant upward trend over the years, particularly for out-of-state undergraduate students. For instance, the tuition for out-of-state undergraduates increased from $19,884 in 2014 to $30,995 in 2024. This represents a staggering increase of about 55.7% in just ten years. Such rising costs may deter potential students, particularly those from out-of-state, who are often sensitive to tuition expenses. On the other hand, in-state tuition has also risen, albeit at a slower pace, from $8,724 in 2014 to $11,075 in 2024, marking a 26.9% increase.

In parallel, the graduation rates have shown promising improvement. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increased from 26.4% in 2013 to 52.5% in 2023. This growth suggests that the institution is enhancing its academic support and resources, which could be a positive indicator of the university's commitment to student success. Additionally, the 150% graduation rate also reflects a notable improvement, rising from 72.9% to 83.1% within the same timeframe.

Moreover, the student retention rate has remained relatively high, fluctuating between approximately 93% and 94% over the years, which indicates that students are generally satisfied with their education and campus experience. High retention rates are often correlated with strong student support services and a positive learning environment.

Overall, while the rising tuition fees present a challenge for accessibility, the concurrent improvements in graduation rates and retention suggest that California Polytechnic State University is making strides in providing quality education and support for its students. As tuition continues to rise, it will be crucial for the university to maintain this balance and ensure that educational opportunities remain accessible to all students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a small city
Nearest major city
Bakersfield, about 90 mi
Nearest international airport
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), about 110 mi
San Luis Obispo, California
Also known as
Cal Poly
Academic calendar
Quarter
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Jeffrey D. Armstrong (President)
Phone
8057561111
City
San Luis Obispo, California
Address
1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93407

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 85.8% · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
26.9%
Women
35.7%

In 2020: men 25.0%, women 32.1%.

Data insights

Trends in Admission Rates at California Polytechnic State University

The admission statistics for California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo reveal a significant trend in the competitive landscape of college admissions over the years. Analyzing data from 2009 to 2023, we observe a gradual decline in acceptance rates for both male and female applicants. In 2009, the acceptance rate for males was approximately 45.16%, while for females, it was about 44.41%. Fast forward to 2023, these figures plummeted to around 25.09% for males and 35.85% for females, showcasing an increasing selectivity in the admissions process.
This shift towards lower acceptance rates can be attributed to various factors, including the growing popularity of the university and an overall increase in applicant pools across the nation. For instance, the number of applicants has risen sharply from 16,656 in 2009 to 40,889 in 2023, indicating a robust interest in the programs offered at Cal Poly. In contrast, the number of enrollees has not seen a corresponding increase, suggesting that the university is becoming more discerning in choosing its students.
Moreover, with the rise in applications, the number of students denied admission has also escalated, reaching over 40,000 in recent years. This competitive environment reflects broader trends in higher education, where top-tier institutions are inundated with qualified candidates, thereby heightening the stakes for prospective students. Overall, these admission statistics underscore the increasingly selective nature of California Polytechnic State University and highlight the necessity for applicants to present exceptionally strong profiles to gain acceptance.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Computer Science1 programs#88▼10
Business School#129▼20
Social Sciences and Humanities2 programs—

Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition

Science1 programs—

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

Trends in Admissions Data at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Over the years, the admissions data from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo reveals interesting trends regarding standardized test scores and the percentage of applicants submitting these scores. Notably, the number of students submitting SAT scores has shown a general decline, dropping from 3,581 in 2007 to around 3,831 in recent years, despite fluctuations in the percentages of students submitting scores.

The SAT reading and math scores, which reflect the 25th and 75th percentile ranges, indicate an upward trend in academic performance among admitted students. For instance, the reading scores have improved from a range of 540-630 in 2007 to a range of 610-690 in 2023. Similarly, the math scores have also seen enhancements, reflecting a more competitive applicant pool.

Interestingly, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores has decreased significantly, from 98% in 2007 to around 80% in more recent years. This shift aligns with a broader trend in higher education where institutions are becoming increasingly test-optional, allowing students to apply without standardized test scores. This may reflect changes in societal views on the efficacy of standardized testing as a measure of student capability and readiness for college.

Overall, while the quality of admitted students in terms of test scores appears to be increasing, the decreasing percentage of test-takers suggests a potential shift in admissions strategies and criteria, prioritizing a more holistic review process over traditional metrics. This evolution speaks to the changing landscape of higher education and the ongoing discussions around equity and access in college admissions.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 3 in 10

68,371 applicants in 2025, 31.3% admitted

21,416 admitted 46,955 not admitted Yield 24.6%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's5,23636 international (0.7%)
Master's62430 international (4.8%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Business Administration and Management, General
776
Mechanical Engineering
314
Computer Science
282
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
194
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations
160
Animal Sciences, General
153
Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology
146
Psychology, General
145
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
139
Civil Engineering, General
139

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Business Analytics · Master's57 (14% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's41 (2% international)
  • Agricultural Teacher Education · Master's39 (0% international)
  • Computer Science · Master's39 (21% international)
  • Mechanical Engineering · Master's37 (5% international)
  • Engineering/Industrial Management · Master's35 (3% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

The graduation data from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo for 2023 highlights several noteworthy trends across various academic disciplines. Notably, the Construction Management program stands out with a substantial number of bachelor degree graduates, totaling 148. This significant figure may reflect the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the construction industry, particularly in the wake of infrastructure developments and urbanization trends observed in California and beyond.

Another point of interest is the representation of international students within these programs. The Architectural and Building Sciences program has 14 international bachelor degree graduates, indicating a growing interest among non-domestic students in architecture and construction-related fields. This trend aligns with the broader globalization of education, where students are increasingly seeking degrees from institutions renowned for their expertise in specific areas.

Interestingly, several programs like Civil Engineering, Physics, and Construction Engineering report no graduates at the bachelor, master, or doctorate levels. This could suggest either a decline in interest in these fields or perhaps a temporary phase in student enrollment cycles. Understanding the factors contributing to these low numbers can be crucial for academic institutions aiming to attract and retain students in these critical areas of study.

Overall, the data reflects a dynamic educational environment at California Polytechnic State University, with certain fields thriving while others may need strategic interventions to bolster enrollment and graduation rates. As the job market continues to evolve, aligning educational offerings with industry needs will be essential for preparing graduates for the challenges ahead.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Engineeringhas 1349 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Engineering, General.-
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General.$88,269-$110,184
Agricultural Engineering.$85,019
Architectural Engineering.$81,271-$85,841
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.$84,426-$88,753
Civil Engineering, General.$79,454-$88,628
Civil Engineering, Other.$79,454-$88,628
Computer Engineering, General.$114,472
Computer Software Engineering.$114,472
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.$95,254-$135,173
Engineering Science.-
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering.$79,657
Materials Engineering.$77,737
Mechanical Engineering.$86,929-$100,804
Industrial Engineering.$89,961
Businesshas 959 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.$73,444-$85,366
Taxation.-
Construction Management, General.$91,503
Agricultural has 580 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Agriculture, General.$56,536
Agribusiness/Agricultural Business Operations.$62,504
Agricultural Mechanization, General.$68,847
Agricultural Communication/Journalism.$67,189
Animal Sciences, General.$40,627
Dairy Science.$40,627
Food Science.$54,906
Viticulture and Enology.$54,906
Agronomy and Crop Science.$58,916
Computer and information sciencehas 321 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Computer Science.$129,984-$141,320
Social sciencehas 255 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Economics, General.$70,830-$77,018
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.$70,830-$77,018
Political Science and Government, General.$42,667
Sociology, General.$46,395
Social Sciences, Other.$47,179
Biologyhas 252 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$45,825
Biochemistry.$56,115
Microbiology, General.-
Architecture has 252 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Architecture.-
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning.$59,601
Landscape Architecture.$61,551
Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology.$68,292
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 224 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Nutrition Sciences.$37,212
Marine Sciences.-
Business Analytics.-
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.$44,063
Natural resources has 193 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Environmental Science.$72,317
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, Other.$50,871
Forestry, General.$45,731
Communication has 186 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.$59,292
Journalism.$38,051
Parks, recreation, leisure has 182 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies.$57,289
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General.-
Psychology has 161 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Psychology, General.$31,269
Educationhas 155 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Curriculum and Instruction.-
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.$86,345
Special Education and Teaching, General.$63,328
College Student Counseling and Personnel Services.$58,450
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Agricultural Teacher Education.$75,419
Mathmatics and statistics has 132 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Mathematics, General.$52,033
Statistics, General.$77,340
Physical scienceshas 111 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Chemistry, General.$65,943
Polymer Chemistry.$65,943
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other.$47,795
Physics, General.$42,890
Liberal arts has 96 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$36,044
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.$36,044
Engineering technologieshas 88 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Industrial Technology/Technician.$78,209
Engineering/Industrial Management.-
Packaging Science.-
Communications technologies has 81 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Graphic Communications, General.$52,902
Visual and Performing artshas 62 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Fine/Studio Arts, General.-
Music, General.-
English has 58 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
English Language and Literature, General.$35,293
Health professionshas 55 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Public Health, General.$39,262
History has 43 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
History, General.$21,697
Philosophy has 29 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Philosophy.$29,855
Public administrationhas 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Public Policy Analysis, General.-
Homeland security has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Fire Protection, Other.-
Foreign languages has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Spanish Language and Literature.-
Cultural has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other.-

Students

23,069 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 49:51 · Freshman retention 95.5%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (22,033)

White
10,473 · 47.5%
Hispanic
5,556 · 25.2%
Asian
3,073 · 13.9%
Two or more races
1,788 · 8.1%
Unknown
717 · 3.3%
International
187 · 0.8%
Black
167 · 0.8%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
1.4%
18–19
44.7%
20–21
40.8%
22–24
11.1%
25 and over
2.0%

Graduate students

Under 22
7.3%
22–24
64.7%
25–29
15.9%
30–34
5.7%
35 and over
6.4%

Data insights

Demographic Insights of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo in 2023

The student body composition at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo in 2023 reveals notable trends in the demographics of its undergraduate and graduate populations. With a total of 5,110 new undergraduate students, the university demonstrates a slightly higher representation of female students, who make up 52.8% of the undergraduate freshman class. This trend continues among the continuing undergraduate students, where females account for 47.7% of the 15,043 students. Interestingly, the ratio of males is slightly higher among transfer students at 56.7%, indicating a potential shift in gender dynamics for this group.

In terms of cultural representation, the data highlights a significant presence of White students in both the new and continuing undergraduate categories. The statistics reflect broader societal trends where the demographic composition of institutions is continuously evolving. The university's commitment to inclusivity is evident, and it aligns with national conversations about diversifying higher education.

Moreover, the overall gender ratios across the student body show a relatively balanced landscape, particularly within the graduate student category, where males and females each represent about half of the population. This balance is a positive indicator of the university's inclusive environment, promoting equal opportunities for all students regardless of gender.

As society strives for greater equity and representation, these figures underscore the importance of continued efforts to support diversity within academic institutions. The data not only reflects the current state of the university but also serves as a benchmark for future growth and development in student demographics. The ongoing challenges in higher education, particularly in addressing racial and ethnic diversity, remain critical topics for discussion among educators and policymakers alike.

Age Composition of Students at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

The age distribution of students at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo reveals significant insights into the demographic makeup of the institution. The majority of undergraduate students are concentrated in the 18-21 age range, with 4314 male and 4775 female students aged 18-19, and another 4334 male and 4140 female students aged 20-21. This trend reflects a typical university scenario where younger students dominate enrollment, likely due to the direct transition from high school to college.

Interestingly, as the age groups progress, the number of students declines sharply. For instance, in the 22-24 age category, there are significantly fewer students, with 1634 male and 937 female undergraduates. This drop suggests that many students may complete their degrees within a traditional timeframe, or they may choose to enter the workforce before pursuing further education.

The graduate student population shows a more varied age distribution. Those aged 22-24 and 25-29 form the largest segments, indicating that many individuals return to education after gaining work experience, which aligns with current trends in professional development.

In contrast, the representation of students aged 30 and above is minimal. For example, only 78 male and 32 female students fall within the 30-34 age range. This demographic skews younger, emphasizing a growing trend among universities to attract traditional college-age students, potentially at the expense of non-traditional students.

Overall, the data indicates a youthful and predominantly undergraduate population, reflecting broader societal trends in higher education, while still accommodating a modest number of graduate students returning to academia later in life.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.8%

187 in 2025 · 2.1% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 2.1%2017: 2.2%2018: 2.2%2019: 2.3%2020: 2.3%2021: 2.1%2022: 2.1%2023: 1.3%2024: 1.0%2025: 0.8%
2016Peer median 1.7%2025
Graduate students3.0%

31 in 2025 · 6.4% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 6.4%2017: 4.4%2018: 4.4%2019: 4.7%2020: 6.0%2021: 3.6%2022: 5.5%2023: 5.5%2024: 5.0%2025: 3.0%
2016Peer median 3.1%2025

Data insights

International Student Trends at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has showcased a fluctuating yet gradually increasing trend in the number of international students over the years, particularly in its undergraduate population. In 2004, the university had 207 international undergraduates, which represented 1.20% of the total undergraduate enrollment. As of 2023, the number of international undergraduates dropped to 278, with a corresponding percentage of 1.32%. This indicates a modest increase in the absolute number of international students, albeit with a slight decrease in their proportion relative to the overall undergraduate population.

In contrast, the graduate student segment has experienced a more significant increase in the representation of international students. In 2004, international graduate students numbered 30, constituting 2.98% of the total graduate population. By 2023, this figure rose to 54, resulting in a percentage of 5.54%. This remarkable growth in the graduate sector suggests that California Polytechnic State University is becoming increasingly attractive to international scholars seeking advanced degrees, reflecting a broader trend in higher education where graduate programs are often more appealing to international students due to specialized offerings and research opportunities.

The data illustrates the importance of international students to the university's diversity and educational environment. As global conditions evolve, particularly in light of recent challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, educational institutions must adapt their strategies to attract and retain international talent. This not only enriches the campus culture but also contributes significantly to the academic community and local economy.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$52,022

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$33,230
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$12,161
Room and board
$18,792
Graduate tuition
$23,765
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $31,000 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 65% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 56%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$839M

Government grants and contracts
$288M34.3%
Tuition and fees
$258M30.8%
Auxiliary enterprises
$123M14.6%
Gifts and private grants
$36.0M4.3%
Investment return
$24.2M2.9%
Sales and services of educational activities
$1.7M0.2%
Other
$108M12.9%

Expenses$789M

Instruction
$257M32.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$135M17.1%
Student services
$116M14.7%
Academic support
$83.8M10.6%
Institutional support
$48.1M6.1%
Scholarships
$45.6M5.8%
Research
$6.3M0.8%
Public service
$429K0.1%
Other
$96.8M12.3%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$113,970peers $80,690
Professor
$134,991peers $98,841
Associate professor
$120,375peers $84,060
Assistant professor
$106,419peers $74,446
Lecturer
$89,247peers $60,351

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Big Sky Conference · Big West Conference

Big Sky Conference: football

Big West Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division I-FCSMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)98138
Football145-
Soccer3846
Swimming3229
Basketball2130
Beach Volleyball-44
Baseball39-
Wrestling35-
Volleyball-27
Softball-23
Tennis1112
Golf117
2024
NCAA Division I-FCSMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)104124
Football125-
Soccer3638
Swimming2931
Baseball38-
Basketball1816
Wrestling31-
Beach Volleyball-25
Softball-23
Tennis1210
Volleyball-21
Golf108
2023
NCAA Division I-FCSMENWOMEN
Football122-
Track and Field (Outdoor)4647
Soccer4239
Swimming and Diving (combined)3129
Cross Country3024
Track and Field (Indoor)-47
Baseball42-
Wrestling40-
Basketball1720
Beach Volleyball-24
Golf1110
Softball-19
Tennis910
Volleyball-18

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable institutions near California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo:

  1. University of California-Santa Barbara (加州大学圣塔芭芭拉分校) - Ranked 35th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its exceptional research programs and beautiful coastal campus.

  2. University of California-Los Angeles (加州大学洛杉矶分校) - With a rank of 15, UCLA is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  3. California Institute of Technology (加州理工学院) - Ranking 7th, Caltech is renowned for its cutting-edge research and strong emphasis on science and engineering.

  4. Stanford University (斯坦福大学) - As the 3rd ranked university, Stanford is famous for its academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and beautiful campus located in Silicon Valley.

  5. Pepperdine University (佩珀代因大学) - Ranked 76th, Pepperdine is known for its scenic campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean and its strong programs in business and law.

These institutions offer rich academic environments and diverse opportunities for students.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.7 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Stalking
143
Motor vehicle theft
125
Rape
46
Burglary
46
Fondling
36
Residence hall fires
30

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Crime Statistics at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

The crime statistics at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo over the past decade reveal a concerning trend in campus safety. The average number of incidents per 1,000 students has seen a significant increase, particularly from 2013 to 2017, where it rose from 2.29 to 9.26. This surge indicates that students may have faced heightened risks during those years.

In 2018, there was a slight decline to 7.89, but the overall trend suggests a fluctuating yet escalating concern for student safety. By 2023, the average rate was 6.65 per 1,000 students, which, while lower than the peak years, still reflects a substantial number of incidents. The types of crimes reported, including gun arrests and drug-related offenses, highlight the various challenges faced by campus authorities.

This spike in crime rates can be attributed to various factors such as societal changes, economic conditions, and potential increases in student population leading to more incidents being reported. Moreover, national conversations about campus safety, particularly in light of increased gun violence and drug abuse, have intensified scrutiny on university safety measures.

While the university may implement programs aimed at reducing these crimes, it is essential for students, faculty, and administration to work collaboratively to foster a safer environment. Awareness and prevention strategies must be continually evaluated and improved to adapt to the changing landscape of campus safety. For further details on crime rate calculations, please visit the following link: Crime Rate Calculation Methodology.

Notable Alumni

All 61

Notable alumni of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo include "Weird Al" Yankovic (Comedy musician known for song parodies), Victor Glover (NASA astronaut, Navy captain and test pilot) and Pedro Armendáriz (Mexican film actor).

See all 61 notable alumni of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo →

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.